The Trump administration has launched a federal investigation into Denver Public Schools following allegations that a teacher required students of the same sex to kiss as part of a classroom assignment. The Department of Education announced Tuesday that it is examining whether the district violated the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), a federal law that grants parents the right to opt their children out of certain surveys, evaluations, and instructional activities involving sensitive topics.
Kimberly Richey, assistant secretary for civil rights at the Department of Education, stated that schools have an obligation to prevent and address sexual assault. "Yet in Colorado, school personnel are alleged to have compelled the sexual assault of minor students by forcing them to engage in blatantly sexualized conduct in class," Richey said in a statement. "It is abhorrent and the Trump Administration will fully investigate this perverse incident to protect students’ safety and vigorously uphold students’ rights across America."
The investigation centers on incidents at a Denver Public Schools high school involving a French language and culture teacher, Jennifer Honka, at Northeast Early College. An independent review found that the teacher allegedly suggested students kiss during in-class skits, and that these students were always of the same sex. The review also indicated that female students were consistently chosen for these skits, even when boys were present in the class, and that one student who refused to participate received a zero for the assignment.
Students reported their discomfort to other school staff in April 2024, leading to an independent review. The Denver Public Schools board voted unanimously on May 20 to consider the termination of Honka's employment for "incompetence and neglect of duty." The district stated that the teacher was placed on administrative leave immediately upon learning of the student concerns in March 2025, and that disciplinary actions have been consistent with the district's commitment to student safety and well-being.
A spokesperson for Denver Public Schools confirmed the district is reviewing the notice of directed investigation from the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and would not comment further on the assertions at this time. The spokesperson emphasized that student safety, emotional well-being, and dignity are top priorities and that the district's actions have been consistent with those principles. The spokesperson also acknowledged the bravery of the students who came forward and the staff who acted as mandatory reporters, reaffirming the district's commitment to holding personnel to high standards.
In a related matter, the Department of Education announced a separate investigation into Washington state's Bethel School District over an LGBTQ Pride Month display that included vials labeled as testosterone. School administrators discovered these vials, some containing a small amount of unknown liquid, during the display at Graham-Kapowsin High School in June. The district stated that the vials were unauthorized and immediately removed. The district is reviewing its display oversight protocols to ensure all school materials align with educational standards and community expectations.