Kristin Pitzen, a teacher in the Newport Mesa Unified School District in Orange County, California, has become the subject of national conversation after posting a series of TikTok videos that drew both support and criticism for how patriotism and inclusivity are expressed in the classroom.
In one now-deleted video, Pitzen explained that she had removed the U.S. flag from her classroom because it made her feel “uncomfortable.” During the Pledge of Allegiance, she told students they could choose whether to stand, and when one asked what to face without a flag, she humorously pointed to a rainbow flag displayed in the room.
In another video, she expressed support for LGBTQ+ students with a lighthearted remark that some viewers found controversial. Her classroom was decorated with pride-themed items, which she said was an effort to make all students feel welcomed and included.
However, her posts quickly went viral and sparked significant public reaction. Many critics felt that removing the national flag and replacing it with a personal statement crossed professional lines, particularly in a public school setting. Parents placed American flags around the school in response, and some expressed concern that classroom spaces should reflect shared civic values.
Continue reading on next page…