In 2021, Kristin Pitzen, a teacher in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District in California, drew national attention after posting a TikTok video in which she joked about removing the American flag from her classroom because it made her feel “uncomfortable.” She mentioned that, in its absence, she encouraged students to pledge allegiance to the pride flag, which she had displayed in the room.
In a separate video, Pitzen showcased her pride-themed classroom and said, “I pledge allegiance to the queers,” signaling her support for LGBTQ+ students. While some applauded her efforts to foster inclusivity, others criticized the videos as inappropriate for a classroom setting and accused her of disrespecting the American flag and promoting a personal agenda.
The videos sparked significant backlash, prompting some parents to place American flags around the school in protest. One parent, whose son serves in the military, stressed the importance of teaching students to respect national symbols. Following the controversy, Pitzen deleted her social media accounts and is no longer teaching in the classroom. The school district launched an investigation, which further fueled national debate over politics and expression in education.
