A California teacher has sparked widespread controversy after removing the American flag from her classroom and encouraging students to pledge allegiance to a Pride flag instead. The teacher, Kristin Pitzen, who worked at the Newport-Mesa Unified School District in Orange County, has since lost her job. Parents and community members are still reeling from the incident, which has reopened debates about patriotism, freedom of speech, and the role of personal beliefs in public education.

What Happened in the Classroom?

It all started with a TikTok video that Pitzen herself posted back in 2021. In the now-deleted clip, Pitzen explained why she took down the American flag in her classroom. Laughing, she told viewers that the flag made her feel “uncomfortable,” so she packed it away and claimed she “didn’t know where it went.”

Pitzen went on to explain that her students were given the choice to stand or not stand for the daily Pledge of Allegiance. They could say the words or remain silent. She noted that most of her class stood up but chose not to recite the pledge. She seemed unbothered by this, even laughing about the fact that the classroom didn’t have an American flag.

According to her, one of her students asked what they should look at while pledging allegiance, given there was no flag on display. Pitzen then recounted—again with laughter—that she pointed to a Pride flag hanging in the classroom and told the student they could pledge to that instead. The video showed the camera panning to a rainbow Pride flag displayed on the wall.

Promoting Personal Agendas?

This wasn’t the first time Kristin Pitzen used her platform as a teacher to promote her personal beliefs. In another TikTok video, also later deleted, she showcased her classroom decorated for Pride Month, complete with multiple LGBTQ+ flags and inclusive messaging. She shared a heartfelt message expressing her support for both openly LGBTQ+ individuals and those who hadn’t yet come out.

“I love you all very much—for the people who are out and the people who aren’t out,” she said. “We are grateful for you. You are cherished. You are enough. I’m with you. I see you.”

While Pitzen’s message of support for the LGBTQ+ community was appreciated by some, many parents and members of the community saw it differently. They argued that she was crossing a line by bringing her personal agenda into the classroom—especially at the expense of honoring national symbols like the American flag.

Community and Parental Backlash

Pitzen’s videos quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from parents, veterans, and other community members. Many felt she had disrespected the American flag and undermined the values it represents. Some even accused her of indoctrinating students with political and social beliefs that did not belong in a public school setting.

In response, a group of parents organized a show of patriotism by decorating the school with American flags. One mother stated, “We heard the school was short on flags, so we thought we’d help out and show our patriotism.”

Another parent, Michele Vaughn—whose son serves in the military—emphasized the importance of teaching respect for the flag. “I’d like to share with her, if she doesn’t know, the importance of respecting the flag,” Vaughn said.

The online community was equally vocal. Comments poured in from people across the country, many emphasizing that the flag symbolizes the freedoms Americans enjoy today—freedoms that were fought for by generations of veterans. One commenter wrote, “The flag is a living piece of history that represents the freedom she enjoys today. Children need to understand that.”

Another added, “You don’t realize how lucky we are. That flag stands for the people who fought to protect our freedom. To disrespect it is unthinkable.”

Some critics went as far as suggesting that Pitzen might feel more at home in countries where freedoms are not as protected, such as Afghanistan.

The Fallout and What Comes Next

Shortly after the backlash began, Pitzen deleted all of her social media accounts. The Newport-Mesa Unified School District launched an internal investigation and ultimately confirmed that she was no longer teaching in the district.

The incident has reignited a larger conversation about educators’ roles in the classroom. Many believe teachers should focus on academic instruction rather than promoting personal or political beliefs. Others argue that promoting inclusivity and diversity is part of a teacher’s responsibility, though opinions are deeply divided on how that should look in practice.

For now, it’s unclear if the school district will implement new policies or training to address similar issues in the future. What’s certain is that this story has sparked a passionate debate about patriotism, freedom of expression, and the responsibilities educators hold when shaping young minds.

What Do You Think?

This situation has stirred strong emotions on both sides. Do you believe Kristin Pitzen crossed a line by removing the American flag and encouraging students to pledge allegiance to the Pride flag? Or do you think she was simply promoting an inclusive environment? We’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share this story and join the conversation!