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Denver School Board Fires Teacher After Judge Found Kissing Skits Pressured Students

The unanimous May 20 vote follows an April independent review finding scripted role-plays forced students to make on-the-spot choices about a sexualized act that left some feeling pressured.

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 11: East High School students walk out of school shortly after classes began in support of teachers during a Denver Public Schools teachers strike on Monday, February 11, 2019. Some students walked out due to lack of organization and structure within the school, while others simply chose to walk out in support. Some 2,100 educators did not report for work on Monday during day one of the first DPS strike in 25 years. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The Denver Public Schools Board voted 7-0 on May 20 to terminate French teacher Jennifer Honka after an April 30 administrative law judge concluded her chosen skit scripts put students in an inappropriate position about consent.
  • Multiple students and at least one faculty witness told investigators that Honka asked or encouraged students to kiss classmates during graded skits and that some pupils felt pressured to comply.
  • One student testified she received a zero for refusing to take part, and witnesses said Honka often invoked a classroom rule phrased as “the answer is always ‘yes’” to push participation.
  • Northeast Early College’s principal filed a police report after a third student complaint, and the district’s review also recorded troubling personal disclosures Honka made to students during class.
  • Honka denies forcing kisses and says she offered alternatives such as pretend kisses or fist bumps, and she now appears listed on a Northglenn school website, raising questions about post-termination placement and district recordkeeping.