In a notable event that emerged from 2021, a teacher in California was dismissed from her classroom for directing her students to pledge allegiance to a progress pride flag. This contentious action has rekindled discussions regarding the growing visibility of progressive political symbols, including pride flags, within educational settings throughout the United States.
Kristin Pitzen, the educator involved in the controversy, posted a video on social media in which she urged her students to pledge allegiance to the pride flag, symbolizing diverse LGBT identities. Historically, the Pledge of Allegiance has been a patriotic gesture dedicated to honoring the flag of the United States, a tradition that is increasingly rare in American educational institutions.
The Newport Mesa Unified School District promptly initiated an investigation into Pitzen’s conduct in response to the incident. The district recognized the worries expressed by parents and community members, while underscoring the significance of honoring the American flag within educational environments.
Annette Franco, a representative of the school district, remarked, “We acknowledge that a video was shared by one of our educators on their personal social media, which raised concerns regarding the salutation of the American flag. Demonstrating respect for our national flag is a fundamental principle that we emphasize to our students and expect from our staff. The teacher is no longer present in the classroom, and we are adhering to due process as our investigation is ongoing.”
Pitzen, who has since removed her TikTok account, recounted the event in a video that has also been deleted. She stated that she had given her students the option to either stand or remain seated, and to recite the pledge if they chose to do so. ‘My class opted to stand but chose not to recite the words, which was perfectly acceptable. However, it is important to note that my classroom does not have a flag,’ Pitzen recalled.
The educator acknowledged that she had taken down the American flag from her classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic due to feelings of discomfort. “It was previously displayed here,” she remarked, indicating an empty space in the classroom. “However, I removed it during the pandemic because it caused me discomfort. I stored it away, but I am unsure of its current location and have yet to locate it.”
When students observed the lack of the American flag and raised concerns about the legitimacy of the pledge, Pitzen proposed a different option. ‘In the meantime,’ I informed the student, ‘we have this flag in the classroom to which you can express your allegiance.’ He glanced around and responded, ‘Oh, that one?’ she recalled, pointing to a pride flag displayed on the wall.
This event highlights the increasing presence of progressive ideology in educational institutions across the country. Nevertheless, conservative states are responding effectively, securing notable successes within their local educational frameworks. For example, Louisiana has recently enacted legislation mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
In a similar vein, Oklahoma has made efforts to integrate Christian teachings into its educational framework. According to the Christian Tribune, the state’s leading education authority has required the incorporation of the Christian Bible in the curriculum for grades 5 to 12. Republican State Superintendent Ryan Walters emphasized, ‘The Bible serves as a crucial historical and cultural reference point. Without a fundamental understanding of it, students in Oklahoma cannot adequately grasp the foundational aspects of our nation, which is why the educational standards in Oklahoma include its teaching.’
As educational environments in the United States increasingly transform into arenas for ideological conflict, these conservative initiatives underscore an effort to maintain traditional values and teaching methods that respect the nation’s historical and cultural foundations. The situation involving Kristin Pitzen exemplifies the persistent cultural struggle within the American education system, as communities and policymakers endeavor to influence the future of the nation’s youth.
