Denver Teacher Fired for Controversial Classroom Activity

A teacher from Denver Public Schools was dismissed after it was revealed that students participated in role-playing exercises that included same-sex kissing, which were graded based on their involvement.

The Denver Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously in May to terminate Jennifer Honka, a French teacher at Northeast Early College. This decision followed the findings of Administrative Law Judge Keith J. Kurtzbel, as reported by local media. The board accepted the judge’s suggestions during a meeting, without public discussion.

Reports indicate that some students felt “pressured and uncomfortable” by a skit that involved same-sex kissing. While the judge noted that Honka did not literally force any student to kiss her, he concluded that the assignment imposed undue discomfort regarding consent and personal boundaries.

“Regardless of whether or not the defendant ‘forced’ the participants to kiss, the script chosen by the defendant forced them to express their preference and consent to a very personal and sexual act on the spot and in front of their colleagues,” Kurtzbel stated in his ruling.

According to reports, multiple concerns had surfaced against Honka throughout the 2023-24 school year. Students confided in other teachers about their discomfort with classroom activities. An English instructor testified that some students had approached her, with one saying, “I was asked to kiss three other girls in one of (Honka’s) skits.”

A student participating in the investigation mentioned, “I don’t remember Honka choosing a boy actor,” even though the class had a mix of genders. That same student also chose not to participate in the skit, allegedly leading to a failing grade.

Honka contended that students had the option to opt out of the activity. However, the investigation highlighted a classroom dynamic that implied compliance with the phrase “the answer is always ‘yes’ in this class.” This was frequently used as a way to engage students in activities.

The judge stressed that the issue was less to do with using skits as a teaching method, but rather the content of the chosen scripts. One skit reportedly titled “Boring Kiss” involved characters kissing three times.

Additionally, concerns were raised about Honka sharing intimate personal experiences—such as suicidal thoughts and childhood trauma—with her students. It was noted that she had made troubling comments about feeling suicidal.

The board’s decision culminated the disciplinary actions that began after a complaint was filed in February 2025. The board concluded that Honka’s actions represented “incompetence and dereliction of duty.”

In a statement, the Denver Public Schools Board of Education praised the students who reported the incidents and acknowledged the staff’s prompt actions as required by law. They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining professional standards and ensuring a safe classroom environment for all.