Kristin Pitzen, a teacher in Orange County’s Newport Mesa School District, recently found herself at the center of a controversy after sharing a TikTok video explaining why she removed the American flag from her classroom. In the video, Pitzen joked that the flag made her feel “uncomfortable” and had been packed away, though she hadn’t yet found it. Her comments quickly went viral, sparking a wave of backlash from parents and others who felt the move was disrespectful.
Pitzen went on to explain that during the daily Pledge of Allegiance, she allows her students to choose whether or not to participate. “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,” she said. This stance on the pledge, a national symbol of patriotism, has raised further concerns among parents who believe it undermines respect for the American flag.
As the situation gained attention, many people expressed frustration, arguing that Pitzen’s actions set a bad example for students, teaching them to disrespect national symbols. However, others have defended her, suggesting that personal comfort and inclusivity should be prioritized in the classroom.
The controversy highlights a broader debate about patriotism, free speech, and how teachers should approach national symbols in the classroom. What do you think about the situation? Should teachers have more flexibility in how they handle symbols like the American flag, or is this crossing a line? Let me know your thoughts!
