A California teacher, Kristin Pitzen, was removed from her position after posting TikTok videos that sparked controversy over her treatment of the U.S. flag and classroom conduct.
In one now-deleted video, she said she removed the American flag from her classroom because it made her “uncomfortable,” and joked about not knowing where it was. She told students they could choose how to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance and later pointed them toward a pride flag instead.
In another clip, she referenced Pride Month and said, “I pledge allegiance to the queers,” while showing her decorated classroom. The videos quickly spread online and triggered strong backlash from parents and the public, who accused her of disrespecting the American flag and promoting a personal agenda.
Some parents responded by bringing flags to the school in support of patriotism, while critics argued her behavior was inappropriate for a classroom setting.
Following the controversy, Pitzen deleted her social media accounts and is no longer in the classroom, with the school district investigation still ongoing!