A teacher in California faced repercussions for removing the U.S. flag from her classroom and promoting her personal social agenda.
Kristin Pitzen, an educator at Newport Mesa School District in Orange County, shared a now-deleted TikTok video where she claimed to have removed the American flag from her classroom because it made her “uncomfortable.”
“I packed it away and I don’t know where, and I haven’t found it yet,” she said with a chuckle.
She further explained that during the morning recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, she tells her students, “Stand if you feel like it, don’t stand if you feel like it, say the words if you want, you don’t have to say the words.”
She then recounted a situation where a student asked what to look at while reciting the pledge due to the absence of an American flag in the classroom. With a hint of amusement, Pitzen responded, “We do have a flag in the class that you can pledge your allegiance to,” pointing to the pride flag on the wall.
In another deleted video, Pitzen showcased her classroom decorated with various flags for pride month. She said, “I pledge allegiance to the queers,” and expressed support and appreciation for all her students.
The teacher’s actions did not sit well with the community or the school board. Many viewed her actions as inappropriate and disrespectful to the American flag.
In response to the controversy, several parents displayed flags on the school’s lawn to demonstrate their patriotism. Michele Vaughn, a mother with a son in the military, commented, “I’d like to share with her, if she doesn’t know the importance of respecting the flag.”
Online reactions to Pitzen’s actions were also overwhelmingly negative. One person highlighted the flag as a symbol of the freedom enjoyed today, stating, “I don’t think you really get it, teach them it’s for the people who gave you the freedom and happiness you have now.”
Another shared, “You stand for the people who fought to keep freedom and you don’t understand how good we have it, and to insult the flag which stands for our country?”
Some comments even suggested Pitzen might prefer living in Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of respecting and honoring the flag that represents the nation’s values and freedoms.
@deletedvideos09 Teacher mocks the American Flag and suggests to students they can say the Pledge of Allegiance to the pride flag
Since the clip surfaced in 2021, Pitzen, who has subsequently deleted all her social media accounts, “is no longer in the classroom,” and an investigation is currently underway.
The incident has sparked discussions on topics ranging from freedom of expression and respect for national symbols to the responsibilities of educators in fostering inclusivity and diversity within schools. The school district’s response to this situation is still pending, leaving many awaiting further actions or decisions.
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