A California teacher, Kristin Pitzen, was removed from her position after posting a TikTok video joking about removing the U.S. flag from her classroom because it made her feel “uncomfortable.” She then encouraged students to pledge allegiance to the pride flag instead.
In the video, Pitzen laughed as she described her class standing for the Pledge of Allegiance with no American flag present. When a student asked what to face during the pledge, she pointed to the pride flag.
In another video, she declared, “I pledge allegiance to the queers” while showing her pride-decorated classroom, sparking outrage among parents and the public.
The community responded by placing American flags on school grounds, with some parents calling her actions disrespectful. Online, many criticized her for undermining a national symbol that represents freedom.
The school district confirmed Pitzen is no longer in the classroom. The incident has reignited debate over patriotism, free speech, and the influence of personal beliefs in education.