COSTA MESA, Calif. — A school teacher in California has been removed from the classroom after posting a widely shared social media video about taking down the American flag and telling students they could pledge allegiance to a gay pride flag hanging in the room instead, according to a report.
The Newport-Mesa Unified School District said it became aware of Kristen Pitzen’s video from her classroom at Back Bay High School in Costa Mesa on Friday. As a result, they have initiated an investigation, KTLA reported.
“We assure you that we take matters like this seriously,” the district said in a statement. “Showing respect for our nation’s flag is an important value that we instill in our students and an expectation of our employees.”
While the investigation is underway, the teacher has been removed from the classroom, according to district officials.
In the brief TikTok video — since removed — Pitzen says she removed the American flag from her classroom during the pandemic because it made her uncomfortable.
“I packed it away but I don’t know where, and I haven’t found it yet,” she said.
She admits telling her class, “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.”
However, one student challenged her by pointing out the obvious, “It’s kind of weird that we just stand and we say it to nothing.”
Pitzen says she told them she’d find it, but, “In the meantime, I tell this kid, ‘We do have a flag in the class that you can pledge your allegiance to.’ And he like looks around and goes, ‘Oh, that one?’”
Pitzen points to an LBGTQ pride flag hanging in her classroom while laughing during her actions.
According to KTLA, the school district’s policy requires that each school conducts daily patriotic exercises, including the pledge of allegiance, with an understanding that the pledge is an expression of patriotism and pride in the U.S.
However, students may choose to opt out of the exercise for personal reasons if they desire.
KTLA reported they were unable to verify when exactly the video was posted.
