The Trump administration has initiated a federal investigation into Denver Public Schools following allegations that a high school teacher required students of the same sex to kiss each other as part of a classroom assignment. The Department of Education announced the probe on Tuesday, July 30th, 2026.

The investigation focuses on whether Denver Public Schools violated the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), a federal law that grants parents the right to opt their children out of certain surveys, evaluations, and instructional activities involving sensitive topics such as sexual behavior and attitudes.

Kimberly Richey, assistant secretary for civil rights, stated, "Schools have an obligation to prevent and address sexual assault."

The controversy centers on Jennifer Honka, a French language and culture teacher at Northeast Early College. On May 20th, 2026, the Denver Public Schools board voted unanimously (7-0) to consider her firing for "incompetence and neglect of duty," citing instances where she allegedly suggested students kiss during in-class skits. An independent review dated April 30th found that the students encouraged to kiss were always the same sex. CBS News reported that one student disclosed the skits to a chemistry teacher in April 2024 and described feeling very uncomfortable.

Separately, in June 2026, the school district removed testosterone vials containing an unknown liquid from a Pride Month display at Graham-Kapowsin High School after determining the items had not been approved by school leadership.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the administration's commitment to defending parental rights amid ongoing Department of Justice investigations in Maryland, Michigan, and Vermont, where school boards face accusations of encouraging gender transitions and withholding information from parents.

Sources