Federal Education Department Launches Investigations Into Two School Districts Over Student Safety Concerns

The Department of Education announced Tuesday that it has initiated a federal investigation into Denver Public Schools following allegations that a high school teacher required same-sex students to kiss during classroom assignments. Kimberly Richey, the department’s assistant secretary for civil rights, stated that schools must prevent and address sexual assault and that the Trump administration would thoroughly examine the matter to safeguard student safety and rights nationwide.

The investigation centers on whether Denver Public Schools violated the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, a federal statute granting parents the authority to remove their children from surveys, evaluations and instructional activities addressing sensitive subjects including sexual conduct and attitudes. Investigators will examine whether parents received proper notification about student evaluations and whether any opt-out requests or complaints were disregarded, the department said.

French language and culture teacher Jennifer Honka at Northeast Early College faced termination after the Denver Public Schools board voted unanimously in May 2026 to fire her for incompetence and neglect of duty. An independent review completed in April 2024 determined that Honka had allegedly pressured students of the same sex to kiss one another during in-class dramatic presentations, with documentation showing she consistently selected female students for these activities.

A student who participated reported feeling deeply uncomfortable with the assignment and subsequently shared a digital meme depicting Honka with the caption “she makes girls kiss” that circulated among classmates. Another student who declined to participate received a failing grade for the assignment, according to the independent review obtained by CBS Colorado.

Denver Public Schools issued a statement acknowledging receipt of the investigation notice and emphasizing that student safety and dignity remain paramount priorities. The district noted it placed the teacher on administrative leave in March 2025 immediately upon learning of student concerns and completed a comprehensive internal investigation prior to the board’s termination decision.

Separately, the Department of Education announced an investigation into Washington state’s Bethel School District regarding testosterone vials discovered in a Pride Month display at Graham-Kapowsin High School in June. The district stated that some vials contained small amounts of unknown liquid and that their inclusion was entirely unauthorized and had not received administrative approval.

Bethel School District officials removed the vials immediately upon discovery and transferred them to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office for handling. The district spokesperson affirmed commitment to reviewing display oversight protocols and maintaining safe, respectful learning environments aligned with educational standards and community expectations.