LGBT Advocate Retires From School District

The architect of a landmark bullying-prevention measure in the Minneapolis Public Schools is stepping down. Jessi Tebben will leave her post on Jan. 13, 2012, as the coordinator of the district’s Out4Good office so she can care for her four newly adopted children.

“This was truly a tough decision to make,” Tebben said in an email to friends and supporters. “I wish very much that I could balance both of these roles, but these amazing kids have been courageous enough to trust my partner and I, and we have decided that their trust and love deserve the commitment of one full-time parent.”

In an interview with Patch, Tebben said she was extremely proud of helping shape  passed by the board in January of this year. Beyond those achievements, Tebben also successfully shepherded the introduction of a pilot anti-bullying curriculum into the Minneapolis schools.

“She’s a great mediator,” said Leigh Combs, a longtime educator and leader in the state’s anti-bullying community.

While many of the changes set in motion by January’s resolution are still being implemented, Tebben said she's leaving her program in good hands—and not just those of her successor. Citing a recent incident at South High, where students stepped forwards to educate their peers and stop bullying, Tebben praised students' ability to quickly find common ground.

“You literally had Muslim students stepping forward and leading discussions about LGBT issues,” she said. “Not that they all understood or agreed with the LGBT piece, but they understood what it’s like going through life with people ignoring this essential part of you.

“I feel like we live in this really amazing community with so many people—students, administrators, teachers, parents—who are willing to come to the table and do what’s right for LGBT youth,” Tebben added. “One of the things I so appreciate, and have for the last decade of my life, is how altruistic people are. I hope that that continues.”