Kristin Pitzen, a teacher in Orange County, California, sparked controversy after a TikTok video showed her joking about removing the American flag from her classroom and encouraging students to pledge allegiance to the LGBTQ Pride flag instead.
The video raised questions about respect for national symbols and the role of teachers in public education. The school district condemned the removal of the flag and emphasized the importance of respect for the nation’s symbols.
@deletedvideos09 Teacher mocks the American Flag and suggests to students they can say the Pledge of Allegiance to the pride flag
Following the backlash, Pitzen was removed from her teaching position pending investigation. Community members took to the school grounds to demonstrate their support for the American flag and discuss the importance of cultural values in schools.
