The Denver Public Schools Board of Education has unanimously voted to terminate French teacher Jennifer Honka following an independent review that concluded her classroom activities and personal disclosures constituted "incompetence and neglect of duty." The decision, reached in an executive session on June 16, 2026, upheld the recommendation of an administrative law judge who reviewed extensive testimony and evidence.
Honka, who identifies as a member of the LGBT community, taught French language and culture for eight years at Northeast Early College in Denver's Montbello neighborhood. The case originated from student complaints during the 2023–2024 school year, leading to a formal investigation that included interviews with students, staff testimony, and a review of instructional materials. Ms. Honka was placed on administrative leave after these complaints surfaced in early 2025 and remained employed during the administrative review process.
Central to the allegations were scripted role-play exercises used for language instruction, which students described as involving physical interactions, including kissing scenarios. Several students reported feeling uncomfortable during these activities. The Denver Gazette reported that at least one student who declined to participate received a zero on the assignment. Students also referenced a classroom expectation, described as "the answer is always 'yes' in this class," which they felt pressured them into participating in the skits.
The administrative law judge's findings highlighted that while role-play can be a valuable instructional tool in language education, its implementation in this specific instance created an imbalance of power. This imbalance was attributed to the teacher's authority over grading and participation, which limited students' ability to decline involvement without facing consequences. The ruling noted that students were placed in situations requiring immediate responses to personal prompts in front of their peers, further reducing their capacity to opt out freely.
In addition to the classroom skits, the review detailed personal disclosures made by Honka during instructional time. These included accounts of childhood abuse, suicidal ideation, and her use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a sperm donor to conceive her child. District officials later reviewed these disclosures as part of the disciplinary process.
Jennifer Honka denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings. She maintained that students were not compelled to participate in the skits and were offered alternatives, such as using non-contact gestures. Honka also alleged that she was targeted due to her sexual orientation and union activity. However, the administrative law judge rejected these claims after reviewing the provided testimony and evidence.
The Denver Public Schools Board of Education's 7-0 vote to terminate Honka's employment followed a comprehensive review of the judge's findings. The case has drawn attention from some community members who questioned why Honka remained employed during the extended administrative review process, a period during which she was on administrative leave. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with these allegations. The unanimous decision by the board underscores the district's response to the concerns raised by students and the conclusions of the independent investigation.
