A teacher’s choice to replace the American flag with a pride flag and adjust the morning pledge has stirred debate in a California school community. Kristin Pitzen shared on TikTok that she removed the U.S. flag because it made her uncomfortable and allowed students to decide whether or not to participate in the pledge, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity.
One student asked where to look during the pledge, and Pitzen pointed to the pride flag instead, which she proudly displayed in the room alongside other LGBTQ+ symbols for Pride Month. She openly pledged allegiance to the queer community, offering words of love and support to all children.
While many applauded her for promoting acceptance, others felt her actions disrespected the American flag and its significance. The conflict led to parental protests and the reappearance of U.S. flags on school grounds.
The school district has since removed Pitzen from teaching, and an investigation is ongoing. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges educators face in balancing respect for national symbols and fostering safe, inclusive environments for diverse students.
