Kristin Pitzen, a teacher at Newport Mesa School District in Orange County, posted a TikTok video (now deleted) saying she took down the American flag from her classroom because it made her “uncomfortable.”
“I put it away somewhere and can’t find it,” she said, laughing.
She also said that during the Pledge of Allegiance, she tells her students they can choose to stand or not and say the words or not.
When a student asked what to look at during the pledge since there was no American flag, Pitzen jokingly said they could pledge to the pride flag on the wall.
Online reactions to Pitzen’s actions were mostly negative. One person said the flag represents the freedom we have today and added, “You should teach that it’s for the people who gave you the freedom and happiness you have now.”
Another person commented, “The flag stands for those who fought for our freedom, and you don’t understand how good we have it. Insulting the flag is an insult to our country.”
In another deleted video, Pitzen showed her classroom decorated with various flags for Pride Month. She said, “I pledge allegiance to the queers,” and expressed support for all her students.
The community and the school board did not approve of her actions, seeing them as inappropriate and disrespectful to the American flag. In response, several parents placed flags on the school’s lawn to show their patriotism. Michele Vaughn, a mother with a son in the military, said, “I’d like to explain to her the importance of respecting the flag.”
Some comments even suggested Pitzen might prefer living in Afghanistan, stressing the importance of respecting and honoring the flag that represents the nation’s values and freedoms.
Since the video came out in 2021, Pitzen has deleted all her social media accounts and is no longer teaching. An investigation is ongoing.
The incident has sparked debates about freedom of expression, respect for national symbols, and the role of educators in promoting inclusivity and diversity. The school district has not yet responded, and many are waiting to see what they will do.
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