Teacher Takes Down American Flag, Urges Students to Pledge Allegiance to Pride Flag

A California teacher faced backlash after removing the U.S. flag from her classroom and promoting a personal social agenda instead. Kristin Pitzen, a teacher in the Newport Mesa School District in Orange County, shared a now-deleted TikTok video where she admitted to taking down the American flag because it made her feel “uncomfortable.”

In the video, Pitzen mentioned that she had packed the flag away, adding with a laugh, “I packed it away and I don’t know where, and I haven’t found it yet.”

During the morning Pledge of Allegiance, she told her students that participation was optional, saying, “Stand if you feel like it, don’t stand if you feel like it, say the words if you want, you don’t have to say the words.”

Pitzen then recounted an incident where a student asked what they should focus on while reciting the pledge since the American flag was missing. Amused, she suggested, “We do have a flag in the class that you can pledge your allegiance to,” indicating the pride flag displayed on the wall.

In another deleted video, Kristin Pitzen showcased her classroom adorned with various flags in celebration of Pride Month. In the video, she declared, “I pledge allegiance to the queers,” expressing her support and appreciation for all her students.

However, Pitzen’s actions sparked significant controversy within the community and the school board. Many felt her behavior was inappropriate and disrespectful to the American flag.

In response, several parents displayed American flags on the school’s lawn as a show of patriotism. Michele Vaughn, a mother with a son in the military, remarked, “I’d like to share with her, if she doesn’t know the importance of respecting the flag.”

Online reactions to Pitzen’s actions were also predominantly negative. One commenter emphasized the significance of the flag as a symbol of freedom, stating, “I don’t think you really get it. Teach them it’s for the people who gave you the freedom and happiness you have now.”

Another echoed this sentiment, saying, “You stand for the people who fought to keep freedom, and you don’t understand how good we have it. To insult the flag, which stands for our country, is unacceptable.”

Some comments went as far as suggesting that Pitzen might prefer living in Afghanistan, underscoring the significance of respecting and honoring the American flag, which represents the nation’s values and freedoms. These remarks highlighted the deep frustration and anger felt by many who viewed her actions as an affront to the principles the flag stands for.

@deletedvideos09Teacher mocks the American Flag and suggests to students they can say the Pledge of Allegiance to the pride flag♬ original sound – Deletedvideos09

Since the video surfaced in 2021, Kristin Pitzen, who has since deleted all her social media accounts, “is no longer in the classroom,” and an investigation is currently underway.

The incident has sparked widespread discussions on issues such as freedom of expression, respect for national symbols, and the role of educators in promoting inclusivity and diversity in schools. As the school district’s response remains pending, many are eagerly awaiting further developments.

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Source : https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-teacher-pledge-allegiance-pride-flag-removed-from-classroom