The U.S. Department of Education has initiated a federal investigation into Denver Public Schools following allegations that a high school teacher required students of the same sex to kiss as part of a classroom assignment. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey stated that schools have a responsibility to prevent and address sexual assault, and the allegations suggest that school personnel may have compelled inappropriate conduct among students. The investigation will assess whether the school district violated the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, which allows parents to opt their children out of certain sensitive educational activities.
The Denver Public Schools board voted unanimously to consider the termination of French language teacher Jennifer Honka for alleged incompetence and neglect of duty, after an independent review indicated that students were encouraged to kiss during skits. Reports indicate that the students involved were always of the same sex. A student expressed discomfort about participating in the skits and reported that Honka directed her to kiss another student. The investigation will also examine whether parents were notified about the assignment and if any complaints were properly addressed.
In a separate matter, the Department of Education announced an investigation into Washington state's Bethel School District regarding an unauthorized display during LGBTQ Pride Month that included vials labeled as testosterone. The school district has stated that they will cooperate with the investigation and are reviewing their oversight protocols.