November 28th, 2011
Consumer group criticizes Miami-Dade advertising plan for schools
By Laura Isensee
Miami Herald
A national consumer advocacy group blasted the Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ plan for an advertising program in an open letter sent to the schools chief on Monday.
In the letter, Washington, D.C.-based Public Citizen said increased commercial advertising on school properties would undermine the district’s mission and would raise little money, arguing that companies generally take large cuts from school districts’ revenue.
“Children already are surrounded by near-constant advertising that promotes consumerism and commercial values,” wrote Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen. “But the ubiquity of advertising is not a reason for allowing corporate naming rights and in-school advertising to persist; it is a reason why children need a sanctuary from a world where everything seems to be for sale.”
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/11/14/2503516/consumer-group-criticizes-miami.html#ixzz1f0ftN17Q