Anti-Commercialism in schools group speaks to GR School Board

Last night members of the Stop Targeting Our Kids (STOK) coalition spoke to the Grand Rapids School Board about their work and some possible ways in which to partner with the school district.

During the public comment a STOK spokesperson stated:

The STOK coalition is grateful for all that you do in service to the health and well being of our children, our families, our schools and our community. We are also deeply concerned about a staggering national rise of in-school advertising, marketing and product placement. As parents, educators and community members we believe that the practices of advertising and marketing that target children and youth are in direct conflict with the healthy physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of our youngest community members.

As a Grand Rapids based organization, we encourage the GRPS Board and administration to explore the rapidly increasing relationship between commercial interests and public schools. We are interested to learn as to whether the GRPS Board has considered the establishment of policy to help our school leaders, teachers and staff as they navigate the ever growing barrage of corporate advertising disguised as educational programming, materials, products and offers. Committed to the practices of education, advocacy and research surrounding the effects of commercialization on children, STOK coalition members are ready and eager to partner with GRPS stakeholders to ensure that the Grand Rapids Public Schools maintain a mission rooted in integrity, best practice, quality and awareness in the face of the tremendous onslaught of marketing and advertising directed towards children and youth.

The School Board made no commitment at this time as to whether or not this is an issue they will investigate.