S.F. Schools Curb Use of Brand Names in Textbooks

“This school sponsored by . . .” is an increasingly popular refrain that San Francisco’s school board doesn’t want to hear anymore.

The Commercial-Free Schools Act bans textbooks that unnecessarily mention brand names. It also prohibits exclusive contracts with soda and snack companies, bans the sale of any product made by tobacco company subsidiaries, and mandates that no student be required to wear a corporate logo for any school activity, including sports.

The measure could mean that some snacks are removed from school stores, cafeterias and vending machines at the district’s 116 schools. The ban will go into effect “as immediately as possible,” said board commissioner Jill Wynns. It was not clear how it would be enforced.

With little discussion early Wednesday, the San Francisco Unified School District board passed the resolution 5 to 2. About 30 students, teachers and parents remained into the wee hours to voice their support.

First-grade teacher Sarah Lipsom backed the measure after receiving teaching kits promoting several brand names, including Jelly Belly candies and Colgate toothpaste.

“What scares me is that the classroom is supposed to be this one sacred place where kids can learn and not be bombarded with messages,” she said.