Denver Public Schools has unanimously voted to fire a Colorado teacher accused of pressuring students to kiss during classroom skits. The decision follows an independent review that found students were allegedly directed to kiss classmates, with reports indicating the students involved were always of the same sex.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Denver Public Schools board voted 7-0 on May 20 to terminate Jennifer Honka, a French language and culture teacher at Northeast Early College, for "incompetence and neglect of duty." The termination came after an April 30 independent review confirmed allegations that Honka pressured students to kiss during in-class skits, with the performances counting toward their grades.
Deeper Dive & Context
Student Testimonies
One student told a chemistry teacher about the skits in April 2024, stating they felt uncomfortable but complied due to grading implications. The student shared a meme with the chemistry teacher that included a picture of Honka with the caption "she makes girls kiss." Another student testified that Honka always selected girls to act in the skits, despite a nearly 50/50 gender split in the class. This student refused to participate and received a zero grade for the assignment. An English teacher also reported that multiple students approached her about the uncomfortable skits.
Personal Disclosures
The independent review also found that Honka shared details of her personal life with students, including her sexual orientation, use of a sperm donor, and suicidal ideation. These disclosures were cited as part of the broader context of her conduct in the classroom.
School Response
The Denver Public Schools board's decision was based on the findings of the independent review, which concluded that Honka's actions constituted "incompetence and neglect of duty." The review also noted that Honka's behavior created an uncomfortable environment for students, leading to decreased attendance and distress among those involved.