A teacher took the American flag out of the classroom and asked students to pledge allegiance to the Pride flag instead.

California teacher Kristin Pitzen faced backlash after posting a now-deleted TikTok video in which she shared her discomfort with displaying the U.S. flag in her classroom. She removed the flag, saying she “couldn’t find it” and allowed students the choice to stand or not for the Pledge of Allegiance. When a student asked what to face during the pledge, she jokingly suggested the pride flag on her wall.

Pitzen’s video received widespread criticism, with many arguing the flag represents freedoms fought for by veterans. Some in the community, including military parents, placed flags on the school lawn in protest. Pitzen, who decorated her classroom with Pride flags, also expressed solidarity with her LGBTQ+ students in another video.

The school board and community disapproved, viewing her actions as disrespectful to the national flag. Following the controversy, Pitzen deleted her social media accounts and left her teaching role. This incident has sparked debate over free expression, respect for national symbols, and educators’ roles in promoting inclusivity.