Full Breakdown
Denver Public Schools Terminates French Teacher Over Controversial Classroom Skits
6/18/2026, 2:46:48 AM
Core Event: Dismissal of Jennifer Honka
On May 20, 2026, the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education voted 7-0 to terminate Jennifer Honka, a 50-year-old French Language and Culture teacher at Northeast Early College (NEC). The board cited “incompetence and neglect of duty” after an independent review found that Honka’s graded skits repeatedly pressured students to kiss one another, primarily same-sex peers.
Background & Context
Honka had taught at NEC for eight years and held 24 years of overall teaching experience. She received the district’s highest evaluation rating for three consecutive years before complaints surfaced during the 2023-24 school year. The skits—titled “The Neighbors Saw Everything” and “The Boring Kiss”—were bi-weekly assignments that contributed to students’ performance grades.
Timeline of Key Developments
- April 2024: A student reported to a chemistry teacher that she was uncomfortable but complied with a kiss directed by Honka.
- February 2025: DPS placed Honka on leave following an internal investigation.
- March 2025: Honka’s leave continued as the district gathered evidence.
- April 30 2026: Administrative Law Judge Keith J. Kirchubel issued an independent review concluding the skits were “irresponsible and inappropriate.”
- May 20 2026: DPS Board voted unanimously to terminate Honka.
Data & Statistics
- 8 years at NEC, 24 years teaching overall.
- 3 consecutive years of top district ratings prior to complaints.
- 18 grievances filed by Honka with the teachers’ union, none alleging discrimination.
- 3 student reports documented in the review; attendance for one complainant “decreased dramatically.”
- Skits were graded; a student who refused to participate received a zero on the assignment.
Official Statements & Responses
DPS released a statement emphasizing that student safety, emotional well-being, and dignity are the district’s highest priorities and that the board acted after a thorough investigation. Rob Gould, president of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association, affirmed that safety concerns must be taken seriously and investigated with due process. Bill Good, DPS spokesperson, echoed the district’s commitment to “upholding the highest standards of professional conduct.” Principal Jennifer Warren filed a police report after a third student reported the kissing incidents; Denver Police found no criminal conduct but referred the matter to DPS.
Criticism & Opposition
Honka asserted that she was targeted because of her sexual orientation and cited her 18 union grievances as evidence of ongoing conflict with district administration. She also argued that the “answer is always ‘yes’” rule was intended to encourage participation, and she offered alternatives such as “blowing a kiss or ‘fist bumps’” for uncomfortable students. The independent review, however, labeled the rule a coercive tool that forced students to publicly negotiate consent.
On-the-Ground Reports
Students described feeling “upset and defeated,” with one sharing a meme captioned “she makes girls kiss.” Attendance dropped for at least one complainant, and another student walked out of class after Honka disclosed personal trauma, infertility struggles, and suicidal ideation. No staff members directly witnessed the kisses.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The review noted the absence of eyewitness testimony and that Denver Police did not file criminal charges, yet still concluded the assignments constituted negligence. Honka’s claim of discrimination was not reflected in any formal grievance, and the judge found no evidence of bias in the district’s LGBTQ-inclusive environment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The student was very uncomfortable and did not know what to do,” — Independent Review
- “She went ahead and kissed another student at (Honka)'s direction.” — Independent Review
- “the answer is always ‘yes.'” — Classroom rule cited by students
- “Regardless of whether (Honka) 'forced' the participants to kiss, her choice of script forced them to express their preferences and consent about a very personal and sexualized activity on the spot in front of their peers.” — Judge Keith J. Kirchubel
- “Every student—regardless of race, identity, or socioeconomic status deserves to feel safe, seen, and welcomed at school. The safety and well-being of our students, families, and educators must remain at the center of every decision we make.” — Rob Gould, DCTA
Why It Matters
The case highlights the tension between innovative pedagogy and student consent, underscores the district’s duty to safeguard minors, and raises questions about due-process protections for educators accused of misconduct. It also illustrates how personal disclosures by teachers can intersect with professional responsibilities, especially within LGBTQ-affirming school environments.
