Greening Missouri Schools Controversy (An Opinion)

First posted on 11-19-2008

Legislation was passed recently in Missouri directing the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to organize a committee. This committee was tasked with developing green cleaning best practice recommendations for Missouri’s public and private schools.
The committee formed by DESE included 20 people of which six (now seven) members represent the chemical industry in one fashion or another. There are chemical manufacturers, chemical distributors and chemical trade organizations (lobbyists) in this group of seven. The first meeting, held November 10, 2008 provided aggressive debating from the industry representatives holding their company’s position without a high level of opposition or solidarity from the rest of the group. Because of time constraints and because there were a few members who held their ground, a subcommittee was formed including twelve people from the original committee. One person (an industry representative) was added to the subcommittee after the initial meeting (making 13 members) even though previous requests to add qualified members had already been denied because the committee was closed to new members.
Unfortunately, this subcommittee of thirteen now includes seven chemical industry representatives that will be actively involved in making the final decision of what’s best for Missouri’s children. In fact, the chair of this subcommittee is one of the industry representatives. At the very least, a perception of a conflict of interest exists because the industry has financial stakes in the outcome of this committee.
Public support is needed to show DESE and our Governor-elect, Jay Nixon, that Missouri wants the best practice recommendations to include sound science, the precautionary approach and Missouri children’s health and future considered as the number one priority over financial interests. We want no conflicts of interest. Therefore we should urge the Governor and DESE to open up the committee membership to include experts on indoor air quality, green cleaning and children’s environmental health who have no financial interest in the outcome and to take away the control that industry now maintains in this subcommittee. With the current industry influence weighing heavily, 54%, it provides the likely possibility that industry will outvote any opposition and will be the ones deciding what is best for Missouri’s children if the committee isn’t balanced.
We are asking for parents to act to protect Missouri children’s interest. If you would like more information or are willing to send a letter, please contact Missouri Kid’s Health at Telephone Number 573-247-3855.
Who do you want deciding what is best for your children?