A California 1st grade teacher is garnering backlash after posting a social media video of herself flipping an American flag upside down in her classroom. She also posted an "Abolish ICE" sign on her classroom wall as well.
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Now, the San Diego Unified School District is investigating the incident after the video went viral on social media. Bailey Hill Ringer is a 1st grade teacher at Audubon Elementary School. She posted the 22-second clip on social media. It was quickly reshared across TikTok.
In the video, the 1st grade teacher removed the American flag from her classroom wall. She then rehanged it upside down. The entire clip is set to "The Hanging Tree" from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1. She also then stapled an "Abolish ICE" sign beside the flag.
1st Grade Teacher Draws Backlash
It's clearly a political move on the educator's part. After the video went viral, the 1st grade teacher reportedly removed it from her TikTok. But it had already been shared across the internet. Now, critics of the move are demanding that she be fired from her role as a teacher.
They dubbed the actions as "unacceptable."
"Fire her! Did she forget she teaches at a public school," one person wrote.
Another commented, "No place for protest symbols around first graders."
"That is gross behavior," yet another wrote.
The school district hasn't jumped straight to appeasing the voices of the internet mob. Instead, a spokesperson confirmed to the New York Post that they are investigating the video. While being investigated, there will be no changes to the classroom structure.
"The school and district are aware of the situation," district spokesperson James Canning said in a statement. "It is being reviewed in accordance with district policies and procedures. Because this involves a personal matter, we're unable to discuss specific details. Our priority is ensuring students remain safe, supported, and engaged in learning."
The district has a social media policy that says teachers and employees can face disciplinary actions if their social media posts affect school operations.
