Teacher Sparks Outrage After Replacing U.S. Flag with Pride Flag in Classroom

Kristin Pitzen, a teacher from Orange County, California, ignited a debate after posting a TikTok video in which she shared her decision to remove the American flag from her classroom, claiming it made her feel “uncomfortable.” The removed flag left some parents outraged, especially after she encouraged her students to instead “pledge allegiance” to a pride flag she placed in the room. Although she later deleted the video, the incident raised questions around respect, patriotism, and classroom decorum, sparking mixed reactions from viewers, parents, and school officials alike.

In her video, Pitzen explained that she "couldn't find" the American flag after putting it away, accompanied by a laugh that gave the impression she wasn’t planning on reintroducing it anytime soon. She also mentioned her flexible approach to the morning pledge, allowing students to choose if they wanted to participate or not. Pitzen’s playful tone seemed to resonate with some viewers who appreciated her inclusivity and relaxed stance, but it deeply concerned others who saw her actions as a dismissal of American values in favor of personal views.

The video quickly went viral, drawing comments from both supporters and critics. Supporters applauded her for promoting inclusivity and for respecting the different ways students might feel about the traditional pledge. Critics, however, worried that her actions could foster disrespect toward the national flag and questioned whether personal beliefs should influence classroom practices to such an extent.

School officials took notice of the backlash, stating that they were aware of Pitzen’s video and would address the matter according to school policy. The debate has since expanded into a broader discussion about educational environments and the role teachers’ beliefs play in shaping students’ perspectives.

This incident has sparked continued conversation about the balance between freedom of expression and national symbols in schools, leaving people questioning where that line should be drawn and how educators should approach such sensitive topics with young students.