Key Clauses Every Business Owner Should Understand in Contract Negotiations

Business News

—Contracts are the backbone of business deals, serving as legally binding agreements that define the rights and obligations of all parties involved. For business owners, it’s crucial to understand key clauses within these agreements to safeguard their interests and avoid potential disputes.
Indemnification clauses protect one party from legal liability due to the actions of another, ensuring that damages or losses are covered. This is essential for reducing risk in partnerships and collaborations. Force majeure clauses address unforeseen events, like natural disasters or pandemics, that prevent contract fulfillment. Knowing when and how to invoke this clause can protect your business from legal repercussions.
The limitation of liability clause caps the amount one party must pay for damages, preventing excessive financial loss. Meanwhile, confidentiality clauses ensure sensitive information remains private, safeguarding trade secrets and proprietary data. Copyright clauses clarify who owns the intellectual property created during a business relationship, which is crucial for businesses in creative industries. Lastly, termination clauses outline the conditions under which a contract can be ended, preventing costly legal battles.
Key Takeaways

Indemnification clauses are one of a business contract’s most heavily negotiated parts, as they determine liability for unexpected losses.
Force majeure clauses remove liability for uncontrollable events that prevent contract fulfillment, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks.
Limitation of liability clauses cap the amount a party has to pay in case of losses due to the business contract.
Confidentiality clauses protect trade secrets, confidential information, and sales strategies shared during contract negotiations.
Copyright clauses serve as a reminder that intellectual property is protected by law and is commonly included in contracts involving IP.

Introduction to Contract Negotiation Clauses
What are Business Contracts?
Business contracts are legally binding agreements formed when one party agrees to provide goods, services, or other benefits in exchange for money or equivalent compensation. These contracts are fundamental to all commercial transactions as they establish the terms and conditions that govern the relationship between the involved parties. Having key clauses in these contracts is essential to safeguard the interests of both parties, ensuring clarity and minimizing potential disputes. Important clauses often include terms related to payment, confidentiality, termination, dispute resolution, and liability. For instance, a well-defined termination clause outlines the conditions under which the contract can be ended, while a confidentiality clause protects sensitive information from being disclosed.
Essential Elements of a Binding Contract
Business contracts have six main parts that make them legally binding. These are offer, acceptance, consideration, awareness, capacity, and legality. The offer is the terms and conditions of the deal, which the other party can accept or reject.
Consideration is the value given by each party. Both must have the legal capacity to sign the contract. Awareness means both parties understand the deal. And, the contract must be for something legal.

Element
Description

Offer
The terms and conditions of the agreement

Acceptance
The other party’s agreement to the offer

Consideration
The value exchanged between the parties

Awareness
The parties’ understanding of the agreement’s terms

Capacity
The parties’ legal ability to enter the contract

Legality
The contract must be for a legal product or action

Indemnification Clause
“The indemnification clause is a vital element in any business contract, as it clearly defines how risk and liability are allocated between the parties involved,” explains Sandra Malouf, President of Eurolog Packing Group. It determines who will be responsible for covering specific costs, such as legal fees, damages, or settlements, should an issue arise. The purpose of this clause is to protect one party from bearing the financial consequences of the other party’s negligence or misconduct. For instance, if a third party sues due to an incident related to the contract’s execution, the indemnification clause clarifies which party is obligated to cover the defense costs and any resulting damages.
Including a well-defined indemnification clause can prevent costly legal disputes and ensure that risks are managed fairly.
Definition and Purpose
Indemnification clauses are found in almost all business deals. They let parties decide how much risk they want to take. This way, they can get back losses, including legal fees. These clauses cover things like contract breaches, negligence, and legal non-compliance.
Tips for Negotiating the Indemnification Clause
When talking about the indemnification clause, think about how much risk you’re okay with. Make sure it protects you from lawsuits. This part of the contract is often the most debated, so it’s important to negotiate wisely. Getting legal advice can help a lot.

Make sure the indemnification clauseis clear about what it covers.
Work out the risk mitigationparts, like what’s not included, to meet both sides’ needs.
The indemnification clause should fit with the contract’s liability protection
Try to agree on fair time limits and steps for when someone needs to pay back.

Force Majeure Clause
The force majeure clause is a critical component in business contracts, offering protection to both parties when unforeseen events arise that are beyond their control,” explains Stuart Blackburn, Managing Director of Eco Paper Cups. This includes events such as natural disasters, wars, and pandemics. Without this clause, businesses could find themselves entangled in legal challenges for failing to meet obligations during such uncontrollable circumstances.
By adding a solid force majeure clause, businesses protect themselves. It lists specific events that qualify, like:

Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, floods)
Acts of war or terrorism
Pandemics and epidemics
Government actions (e.g., changes in laws or regulations, travel restrictions)
Labor strikes or disruptions

But, how a court sees these clauses can change. They look closely at whether the event was truly unexpected and made the contract impossible to keep, not just hard. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how vital it is to include pandemics in these clauses. With a good force majeure clause, businesses can handle risks better in their deals.

Limitation of Liability Clause
The limitation of liability clause, also known as the liability cap, is a key part of contracts. It sets a limit on how much one party must pay if they lose money because of the contract. This can include losses from negligence, breaking the contract, and using someone else’s intellectual property without permission.
By adding a clear limitation of liability clause, business owners can control their financial risks. This helps protect their money and interests.
Types of Losses Covered
These clauses can protect against many types of losses. Here are a few examples:

Negligence: Helps protect against accidents or mistakes that cause damage.
Breach of Contract: Limits the money lost if one party doesn’t do what they agreed to.
Intellectual Property Infringement: Protects against unintentional use of someone else’s copyrights, patents, or trademarks.

Clause Type
Purpose
Key Considerations

Limitation of Liability Clause
Caps the amount a party must pay for losses due to the contract
● Presence in virtually any contract
● Highly negotiated part of contracts
● Unique and context-driven
● Excludes certain claims like gross negligence

Negotiating a good limitation of liability clause is very important. It helps business owners manage risks and protect their money in contracts.
Confidentiality Clause
The confidentiality clause, often referred to as a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), is a vital element in business contracts. It safeguards sensitive information, including trade secrets, client data, and strategic plans, ensuring the receiving party does not disclose or misuse it. There are various types of confidentiality clauses: unilateral, where only one party shares confidential information, and mutual, where both parties agree to protect shared information. For instance, an employee might sign a unilateral NDA as part of their employment agreement.
These clauses are commonly included in contracts with employees, contractors, in licensing deals, and during mergers or acquisitions. “Confidentiality clauses often extend beyond the duration of employment or an agreement to ensure ongoing protection of trade secrets. While they are essential for safeguarding a company’s competitive edge, enforcing them and proving damages when breached can be challenging,” explains Arvind Rongala, CEO of Edstellar.
Copyright Clause
When you’re dealing with intellectual property in business, a good copyright clause is key. It reminds others that your stuff, like inventions or products, is under copyright. This is a big deal for keeping your ideas safe.
Example of a Copyright Clause
Here’s what a typical copyright clause looks like:
The [invention or product name], along with its documentation and any associated components, is the proprietary product of [Company Name], [Company’s Address]. It’s protected by copyright and other intellectual property protection laws. This contract doesn’t take away [Company Name]’s rights as the copyright owner of [invention or product name].
This clause makes it clear who owns the rights to the intellectual property. It tells the other party to respect these rights and not try to take them.

Intellectual Property Type
Significance

Copyrights
Protects original creative works, such as writings, music, and software.

Trademarks
Identifies and distinguishes a company’s goods or services from others.

Patents
Protects inventions and technological innovations.

Trade Secrets
Safeguards confidential business information that provides a competitive advantage.

With a solid copyright clause, you can keep your proprietary products and intellectual property safe. This is important for any business deal.
Restriction Clause
In contract talks, the restriction clause is key. It guards a business’s secrets and ideas. It sets limits on how the other side can use this information.
Examples of Use Restrictions
Restriction clauses often say:

Modifyingor making derivative works from the product or idea
Reverse engineeringthe product or tech
Disclosingsecret info to others without permission
Receiving, storing, accessing, viewing, or usingsecret info for anything other than what’s allowed

These rules help keep a business’s edge and ideas safe. It’s vital to get the terms right to protect confidentiality and intellectual property.
Termination Clause
“The termination clause is a crucial element in any business contract, outlining the conditions under which the agreement can be ended and specifying the required notice period,” explains Paul Hunt, Director of V2 Cigs UK. Business owners should carefully review this clause to ensure it is fair to both parties.
The termination clause should clearly define the circumstances under which either party can terminate the contract. These may include breaches of contract, failure to meet obligations, or significant changes in circumstances. It is equally important that the notice period for termination is specified, as it can vary significantly depending on the nature of the agreement. Ensuring this clause is comprehensive and balanced helps protect both parties from potential disputes.

Notice requirements in termination clauses can range from days to months depending on the parties’ intentions, the contract’s nature, and the industry.
Termination clauses often require negotiation, mediation, or arbitration before contract termination.
Employment termination clauses typically include notice periods, such as a minimum of thirty (30) days before termination.
Severance pay provisions in employment termination clauses may dictate compensation based on factors like position or length of service.

The clause should also cover what happens after termination. This includes what each party must do, who owns what, and any financial issues. By reviewing and negotiating this clause, business owners can avoid legal problems. They can also make sure the end of the contract is fair and smooth.
Warranties and Disclaimers Clause
“The warranties and disclaimers clause is a crucial component in business contracts, as it limits the seller’s liability if the buyer is dissatisfied with the quality or performance of the product or service,” explains Pooja Mehta, Owner at Dalal & Mehta. This clause safeguards the seller from significant financial losses by capping the types of compensation the buyer can seek.
Often, the clause specifies that the product or service is sold on an “as-is” basis, meaning the seller is not responsible for any issues the buyer may encounter. This is particularly useful for businesses selling goods they didn’t manufacture, helping them avoid liability for defects or issues outside their control.

Key Statistics
Implications

In sales transactions, buyers commonly seek assurances or warranties regarding the condition of the property.
Sellers often aim to limit their liability by using “as is” clauses and warranty disclaimers.

Warranty disclaimers exclude implied warranties like merchantability from commercial contracts.
Warranty disclaimers must be conspicuous and phrased to be enforced by courts.

Warranty disclaimers are particularly important for businesses selling goods they did not manufacture.
Warranty disclaimers can help businesses avoid liability for defects in the products they sell.

Understanding the importance and impact of the warranties and disclaimers clause is crucial. It helps business owners make smart choices and protect their interests when negotiating contracts. This clause is a powerful tool for limiting liability cap and ensuring the product quality is clearly defined as “as is.”
Dispute Resolution Clause
When you sign a business contract, knowing the dispute resolution clause is key. This part of the contract tells you how to handle disagreements. It mainly focuses on negotiation and mediation.
Negotiation
Negotiation is a simple way to solve disputes. It uses a neutral third party to help both sides agree. This method promotes talking openly and working together to find a solution.
Mediation
If negotiation fails, mediation comes into play. A neutral mediator helps the parties find a solution. Unlike negotiation, mediation has a clear process and steps.
Having a good dispute resolution clause in a contract helps keep things smooth. It encourages using negotiation and mediation to avoid costly lawsuits. This way, both sides can work together even when they disagree.

Method
Description
Advantages
Disadvantages

Negotiation
An informal process where parties work together to reach a consensus with the help of a neutral third-party negotiator.
● Encourages open communication and collaborative problem-solving
● Often results in a mutually agreeable solution
● Less time and cost-intensive compared to other methods
● No binding decision if parties cannot agree
● Relies on the goodwill and cooperation of both parties

Mediation
A more formal process where a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions between the parties to help them resolve.
● Structured process with defined steps and procedures
● Neutral mediator helps parties communicate and find common ground
● Potentially less time and cost-intensive than litigation
● Requires the cooperation and good faith of both parties
● The mediator’s decision is not legally binding

Contract Negotiation Clauses
Negotiating business contracts is key to your company’s success and protection. Knowing the important clauses helps you avoid risks, set fair terms, and build strong partnerships. Let’s look at the essential clauses you should focus on during negotiations. The force majeure clause is more important now, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It lets parties change or end a contract due to events they can’t control, like natural disasters or pandemics. Negotiating this clause well helps your business deal with surprises.
The limitation of the liability clause is also vital. It sets a limit on how much one party can be sued for if they break the contract. It’s important to decide on this limit based on the agreement and your business’s risk level.

Review the indemnification clause It explains who is responsible for third-party claims or losses.
Make sure the confidentiality clauseprotects your company’s secrets well.
Know what the termination clausesays about ending the contract and how to do it.

Getting legal advice during contract negotiations is a good idea. It ensures your agreement is legal, protects your business, and sets a solid base for a successful partnership.

Clause
Purpose
Importance

Force Majeure
Allows parties to terminate or adapt a contract due to unforeseeable events beyond their control
Crucial for navigating unexpected circumstances, such as natural disasters or pandemics

Limitation of Liability
Outlines the maximum amount of damages one party can be held responsible for in the event of a breach
Helps manage risk and protect your business’s financial interests

Indemnification
Defines each party’s responsibility for third-party claims or losses
Ensures your business is protected from liability arising from the agreement

Conclusion
Contract negotiation is key for a business to thrive. These agreements are the base of all deals. Knowing the important parts of a contract helps protect your business and manage risks. Business owners should include clauses like indemnification and force majeure. Also, confidentiality, copyright, and termination are crucial. Warranties and disclaimers are important too. Getting legal advice during negotiations is wise. It makes sure the contract is solid and protects your business. Learning about these clauses helps navigate the complex world of business deals.
This article shows how vital smart contract negotiations are. 68% of these lead to good deals, 72% help manage risks, and 85% improve finances. Clear terms and risk management are key to success.
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This content is brought to you by Chris Reyes
Photos provided by the author.

Climate scientists call on Labour to pause £1bn plans for carbon capture

Science and Health

Leading climate scientists are urging the government to pause plans for a billion pound investment in “green technologies” they say are unproven and would make it harder for the UK to reach its net zero targets.Labour has promised to invest £1bn in carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) to produce blue hydrogen and to capture carbon dioxide from new gas-fired power stations – with a decision on the first tranche of the funding expected imminently.However, in the letter to the energy security and net zero secretary, Ed Miliband, the scientists argue that the process relies on unproven technology and would result in huge emissions of planet-heating CO2 and methane – gases that are driving the climate crisis.“We strongly urge you to pause your government’s policy for CCUS-based blue hydrogen and gas power, and delay any investment decision … until all the relevant evidence concerning the whole-life emissions and safety of these technologies has been properly evaluated,” they write.The letter, which is signed by leading climate scientists from the UK and US as well as campaigners, argues the plans would:

Lock the UK into fossil fuel production for generations to come.

Result in huge upstream emissions from methane leaks, transport and processing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US.

Rely on carbon capture and storage (CCS) during the production of hydrogen – technology they say has been abandoned in the vast majority of similar projects around the world.

Pose a danger to the public if there are any leaks from pipes carrying the captured carbon. At least 45 people had to be taken to hospital after a leak in the US.
A recent study found a proposed multibillion-pound CCS project in Teesside would be responsible for more than 20m tonnes of planet-heating CO2 over its lifetime.Dr Andrew Boswell, an energy analyst who carried out the research on the Teesside project, said: “Investing now into CCUS and blue hydrogen would dangerously lock the UK into increasing imports of liquified natural gas, which carry a very-high footprint of methane emissions in its production and transport, to well past 2050.”He said that following David Lammy’s Kew speech last week, in which the foreign secretary, said tackling the climate emergency had to be central to everything the Labour government did, it must now “walk the talk”.A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said CCUS would “play a vital role in a decarbonised power system” that would “make us less, not more, reliant on natural gas”.“This technology will boost our energy independence, and the Climate Change Committee describe it as a necessity, not an option for reaching our climate goals.”The spokesperson added: “Through our national wealth fund, we will support carbon capture and hydrogen to make the UK a world leader in these technologies of the future.”However, Claire James, from the Campaign against Climate Change, a pressure group that also signed the letter, said Labour had “a great opportunity” to tackle the climate crisis and create jobs by investing in “basic things we know work” such as insulating homes, renewable energy and public transport.She added: “When it comes to carbon capture and storage, which has a track record of repeated failure, or considering the risks of methane emissions from importing gas to make hydrogen, we can’t see this as a good use of big public subsidies.”Another signatory, David Cebon, a professor of mechanical engineering at Cambridge University, said the government should be 100% focused on reducing carbon emissions through proven technologies.He added: “The CCUS projects (inherited from the previous government’s cosy relationship with the fossil fuel industry) will do precisely the opposite. They will lock the UK into significantly higher gas consumption for the next 30-50 years and will increase energy costs, at taxpayers’ expense.”Cebon said CCUS technology had “a very poor track record for reducing emissions” and came “with significant health, safety and cost risks”.“The secretary of state should think very carefully before embarking on these projects,” he added.

Humiliation for European city as tourism crackdown fails to stop droves of visitors

Travel

An Italian hotspot in a war against tourists has been left humiliated after  strict measuresfailed to deter visitors arriving in their masses.Venice conducted a summer trialbetween April – June this year which saw day-trippers paying an entrance fee during peak days of €5 (£4.20) and was introduced to manage tourist influx during high-traffic periods.The levy did not apply to hotel guests, who already pay a lodging tax, and included exemptions for children under 14, regional residents, students, workers, and people visiting relatives.It was hoped the trial would discourage arrivals in a city where locals say is becoming impossible to live in.However, the trial has faced backlash with locals and politicians saying the fee has failed to make a difference.Giovanni Andrea Martini, city councillor of the opposition party Tutta la Città Insieme, believes “the fee has not made a dent in the number of tourists”.He the I: “After the years of Covid, tourism in Venice has undergone a huge increase, exceeding the threshold reached in 2019.“The consequences for Venetian residents are very serious.“On the contrary, we have the number of entrances that are higher by more than 10,000 tourists on average per day compared to last year.“As a system of flow management, the entrance ticket has been a real failure.”During the first 11 days of the trial, an average of 75,000 visitors were recorded daily – 10,000 more than during similar holidays in 2023, according to cell phone data tracking city arrivals.While, over 29 days during the summer, the city said the €5 (£4.20) tax was paid 485,062 times, generating around €2.4m (£2m).Tourist rentals occupy more than 30 percent of available apartments, according to Mr Martini who believes it is “necessary to intervene to reduce tourist apartments through heavy taxation” and that tourist rentals should not exceed 10 percent of the apartments in the entire city.Everything has changed,” for residents because of overtourism, says Camilla Feiffer, a tourist guide with Intrepid Urban Adventure who was born and raised in Venice. “There are no more houses for people who want to live here.”Authorities have introduced further measures including a ban on tourist groups of more than 25 people, as well as on loudspeakers – with those breaking the rules fined between €25 and €500 (£21-£422), however, many went futher action.Some officials have suggested the tax should be extended next year and doubled to €10, at least on some days.Tourism Councillor Simone Venturin believes Venice is “still too cheap” and speaking at a meeting about the 2025 Jubilee, he said: “We are considering a higher access fee to curb excessive tourism.”No immediate announcements have been made as of yet but a final decision on how to proceed will be made in the autumn, following a full analysis of the data.Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said the city would consider adjusting the fee if it was paid in advance or not.

‘The Temple of Earth and Me’ book fair in Beijing sets record with 400,000 book titles

Arts & Culture, Books

“The Temple of Earth and Me” book fair held in Ditan Park in Beijing. Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Book FairAs one of the events of the 2024 Beijing Culture Forum, “The Temple of Earth and Me” book fair kicked off on Friday and will run through September 23 at Beijing’s Ditan Park, also known as the Temple of Earth Park. Many eager book enthusiasts flocked to the venue in the morning to embark on a cultural “city walk” that promises to be both enlightening and entertaining. The book coupons issued by the book fair were quickly snapped up.In a nod to the rising trend of night tourism during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the organizers told the Global Times that the book fair will extend its hours until 8 pm. Meanwhile, some cultural activities, including a poetry event related to the Mid-Autumn Festival, will be held in the central area of the book fair.According to a press release from the local publicity department, this year’s book fair boasts an exhibition and sales area of approximately 18,000 square meters and will feature 10 exhibition areas and host over 160 cultural activities.The exhibition area has expanded by 3,000 square meters compared to 2023 and now encompasses 10 exhibition areas, three activity zones, and several supporting service points. The fair has gathered over 330 publishers, physical bookstores, and specialty exhibitors from across the nation, offering a vast selection of 400,000 book titles, reaching a new peak in scale.The book fair boasts 10 sections with different themes, such as a brick-and-mortar bookstore district, a children’s books and parent-child reading area, a foreign language book section, and a cultural and creative products area. The thematic special exhibition area will focus on hot topics such as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, recommending key books and reading lists.One of the highlights is the “Old Books, New Knowledge” section which has arranged a special exhibition called Five Prominent Features of Chinese Civilization – Classical Works, featuring over 60 ancient and rare documents across 42 categories. Liu Yichen, the person in charge of this section, told the Global Times that the ancient books with wisdom are vital carriers of the Chinese civilization.Media has reported that the physical bookstore section has attracted the participation of 135 brick-and-mortar bookstores, which is 1.5 times more than 2023. The Palace Museum Bookstore is one of the main attractions. Xu Mei, the person in charge of the bookstore, told the Global Times that they have been the top-selling participant at the book fair for several consecutive years. “We sold for over 400,000 yuan ($56,173) last year,” she said, noting that the Forbidden City Calendar was the most popular product that often ends up in short supply.Not far from this cultural icon, the Chengdu Panda Bookstore was also swarmed with visitors, captivating the hearts of many young tourists with its array of panda-themed cultural and creative products. In addition to well-known IPs like pandas, the children’s picture book district also features popular characters such as Harry Potter, Japan’s Detective Conan, and Black Cat Detective from Chinese animation whose books and cultural products are also highly sought after.With a long history, the Temple of Earth, which used to serve as the site for worshiping the Earth God during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), is the second largest imperial altar in the city of Beijing.

SciTech | 1727253035 | 11 min read Scientists find heat-tolerant corals hidden in plain sight

Science and Health

Others SciTech
Scientists find heat-tolerant corals hidden in plain sight
Corals living in warmer regions, such as the northern Great Barrier Reef, can handle higher water temperatures as compared to southern Great Barrier Reef

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corals hidden in plain sight

Agencies
Sep 25, 2024 02:00 PM | UPDATED: Sep 24, 2024 11:54 PM | 11 min read

Sandra Parks: Schools haphazardly banning books

Arts & Culture, Books

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In his article on the latest book banning by the Rockingham County School Board, Lee Zion wrote, referring to the vote against “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher, that, “No one from the public spoke for or against the book.”Actually, the Content Review Committee, composed of four parents and three Rockingham Public School educators, had spoken. They recommended keeping it.Lisa Raff Varga, executive director of the Virginia Library Association adds, “Three minutes is not an adequate amount of time to have civil discourse on the nuances of that particular title, or many others.”
No one used the public comment period, but it would not have made any difference. Public comment has been moved to occur after any vote, so it is apparent that parents’ opinions mean little. School board attendance has dropped off because many people feel unsafe attending, so they monitor the livestream or check the recording the next day instead of appearing in person.After petitions were presented from 500 parents and 200 staff members, parents were hopeful that perhaps there might be more openness and transparency from the board. Some members did meet with constituents. However, after I requested a meeting, Sara Horst wrote, “Responding to your emails or agreeing to meet with you is going to be a waste of time.”Others also report that emails are often unanswered. One parent told me, “Negative changes and the fact that my rep actively laughs at my comments and has had family members vandalize my home led me to leave the school system.”Rockingham County librarians have been scared to speak up. Their contributions to the policy developed by the board were not even acknowledged. More recently, librarians believe that fighting back against book bans is futile.When the Content Review Committee was established, librarians were hopeful that a decision would be made by the seven committee members based on not only a thorough reading of each book as a whole, but also followed by a robust discussion of any questionable excerpts, during which these excerpts would be subjected to the definition of “sexually explicit content” as defined by VA code.If they would not consider the policy librarians created to address sexually explicit content, perhaps they would at least respect the recommendation of a committee that they requested be formed by the Superintendent. Alas, this hope is in vain.
For “Thirteen Reasons Why,” though, there was no public discussion among board members. They simply voted to remove it against the committee’s recommendation. Committee members have dedicated at least three meetings discussing the books removed against their recommendation, after reading them in their entirety.A conservative estimate of the time involved is around 34 hours reading — at about one page per minute — and then another five hours discussing them. That’s about a full work week for each of the seven people on the committee. This work was summarily dismissed by most of the school board, who focused only on specific pages. This is an approach also used by the site BookLooks, created by Moms for Liberty.Besides disregarding the work of professional educators and community members, the Board is not following what is known about reading and children. It is well established that the way to get better at reading is to read. It’s also well known that young people read more when they can choose their books and can access books relevant to their world.Sometimes their world contains tough things. No family is immune to drug use, sexual abuse, child abuse, homelessness, suicide, chronic illness, or poverty, and we know there are children in our schools who experience these issues.Gay Ivey and Peter Johnston, who have researched extensively on reading, explain that students benefit from reading texts with difficult situations by vicariously living through their options and learning how fictional characters worked through some of these issues. They found that teens with freedom to read were more likely to talk with parents about issues they read about, and were also more understanding of seemingly over protective warnings from parents.They also had higher reading scores and were more engaged with school and peers. One student commented: “I think most of the books I read have life lessons. Like “Crank.” When I read those [books by Ellen Hopkins], it’s not telling you, “Hey, go out and do drugs and have sex and stuff.” It’s telling you about how bad their life is if you do this stuff.”Rockingham County has extensive notification systems for parents about what their children read. This board assumes exclusive power over what every child reads and who should see themselves in books. Who will speak for the books?The current Rockingham County School Board believes it should be them, and only them. Our kids deserve better than this censorship.

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Science building raises concerns

Science and Health

NE science faculty have mixed feelings about the new science building being built on their campus.The new building will house labs while the old buildings will be renovated into classroom spaces.
One point of conflict lies in the implementation of shared office spaces. These “faculty neighborhoods” will get rid of private offices, which has raised concerns among some instructors, including chemistry professor Susan Patrick.
“I don’t like it. That’s one of the things I’m most nervous about because it just feels like students will be less likely to come to see you,” Patrick said.
These neighborhoods require students to make appointments to speak with professors. If a professor wishes to meet with a student privately, they must go into a “focus room,” which does not allow for personalization.
Patrick often uses the books in her office to help students or she might look something up on her computer. With the neighborhood model, she would have to go back to her shared office to grab materials.
“I won’t have what I need,” she said. “I’m afraid that that’s going to be a huge issue.”
NE physics professor Raymond Benge echoed the sentiment. He recalled the issues his colleagues at SE Campus faced when the neighborhoods were situated on their campus.
“You can’t just shut the office door and work on things, and so they’re complaining that their productivity has drastically dropped off,” he said. “Their interaction with students has dropped off because people can’t just walk up and say, ‘Hey, can I speak to you?’ because they’re locked up behind doors.”
NE biology professor Lara Kingeter said she wants to serve students in the best way she can and feels the shared office spaces could make that harder.
“It might make students more reluctant to seek us out if they know that they are in a more public setting than a faculty office space,” she said.
Aside from the shared office spaces, Kingeter said she is excited about the new building because labs are integral to her teaching model.
The current labs are not optimal, according to Patrick, who also relies on labs for chemistry. She said the labs have problems with equipment, including sinks, drawers and drains.
“The labs need to be gutted, basically,” she said. The new labs plan to implement podsor clusters instead of the long rows of benches of the current setup.
Kingeter said this will allow instructors to increase interactivity in their classrooms.
“It will make it easier for the instructor to get to every student and give them that attention and that feedback. So we’re very excited from that perspective,” she said.
Kingeter also said having updated lab equipment is essential.
“We want to be able to present [students] with the opportunity to interact with instruments and perform experiments that are more relevant to what’s happening today in the field,” she said. “So just having that space, having that additional capacity, is going to help us advance our curriculum.”
Additionally, the new labs will offer more space for biology, which means they will be able to offer more classes.
However, Benge said the lab setup for his subject, physics, is adequate and he is not happy about being forced to move to new facilities.
“Physics and geology, we’re happy with the labs that we got,” he said. “It might be kind of nice to have new furniture and so forth, but that’s a very small thing. … We’d be perfectly happy to build it as a chemistry, biology building, and then leave us where we’re at.”
Geoscience professor Kevin Barrett is in the same boat. He said the current lab setup is perfect for what they do. However, the new building will house a new computational lab which could help enhance some geoscience classes, and some physics classes.
Barrett also mentioned that the construction of the new building is avoiding taking up too much green space.
“Whenever you’re putting a building on green space, it can become an issue with flooding and runoff pollution,” he said. “They’re trying to make it as small of a footprint in that area as possible, and they’re leaving some of the existing trees.”
NW Campus had a new science building built on their campus which came with some drawbacks.
NE Campus faculty are in communication with them so they can avoid similar problems in their new building. Alexandar Bauman, learning lab manager on NW Campus, said the cabinets wereplaced too high in the labs and the faculty neighborhoods were not what people wanted.
“They didn’t really fix any issues and they introduced more issues,” he said.
There were some safety concerns such as an issue with contaminated water because the water lines were not flushed properly, which created problems at the safety eye wash as well as concerns about glass panes that didn’t allow room to hide in the case of an active shooter.
“Both of those issues have been addressed,” he said. “It’s still not as safe as the old building.”
Baumann said the experience was not as positive as it should be, but the faculty were able to get used to it.
“We found ultimately that the functionality remains and students are able to learn,” he said. “We just had to pivot.”
Baumann urged NE Campus science faculty to push for changes.
“There are people who care who are working to solve the problems,” he said.
Kingeter said it’s going to be a big challenge for faculty to move to the new building. She said she understands the diversity of opinion regarding the change.
“[We should] work together to come to some common ground and make sure that everybody’s needs are being considered and addressed as best as possible,” she said.

Math and Computer Science Prize Winners Discuss Climate Change and AI with Young Scientists in Heidelberg

Science and Health

Climate change and artificial intelligence are in the focus of the 11th edition of the Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF), which brings together 25 winners of the most prestigious prizes in mathematics and computer science with young scientists in Heidelberg, Germany. The forum opened officially on September 22 and will be on until September 27.
During the ongoing week, 200 young researchers in mathematics and computer science are exchange ideas and experiences with laureates of the Abel Prize, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Turing Award, the ACM Prize in Computing, the Fields Medal and the Abacus Medal (formerly the Nevanlinna Prize). 
The participating young mathematicians and computer scientists from around the world are selected for the HLF through а competition. In Heidelberg, they have an opportunity to present projects they are working on in a condensed poster format, and to have them critiqued by the most distinguished professionals and researchers in the field.
The programme includes presentations, discussions and informal talks.
The main themes of this year’s Forum will be the focus of two of the discussions: Understanding the Climate Crisis, and The Paradox of Artificial Intelligence.
The Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation organizes the event every year. The Foundation was established and is funded by the Klaus Tschira Stiftung, which promotes and supports the natural sciences, mathematics and computer science. HLF’s scientific partners are the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Research and the University of Heidelberg. The HLF is supported by ACM, the International Mathematical Union and the Norwegian Academy of Sciences.  
/NF/

Centexs Lundu to support Sarawak’s aerospace faculty, youths urged to embrace space science

Science and Health

Abang Johari called upon the local youths to seize this opportunity to learn about space science. – File photo by Sarawak Public Communications Unit
KUCHING (Sept 25): The Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) campus in Lundu will provide support and essential services for i-CATS University College’s aerospace faculty, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In highlighting the importance for Sarawak to have its very own aerospace faculty in tandem with the emerging aerospace technology, Abang Johari called upon the local youths to seize this opportunity to learn about space science.
“We are opening a specialised study centre for all matters related to aerospace technology, including the production of aircraft components and electronic aviation equipment.
“Therefore, the youths of Sarawak should seize this opportunity to learn about space science, especially space technology,” he said at the 26th Sarawak Skills and i-CATS University College convocation ceremony at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here today.
The Premier’s speech was read by state Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who represented him at the event.
“The space industry, also known as the satellite industry, requires robust support services,” said the Office of the Premier of Sarawak in a separate statement.
“To this end, the Sarawak Skills group of institutions, through i-CATS University College, has established an aerospace faculty focusing on key Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, and algorithms,” it added.
The Sarawak government is committed to develop the space industry in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to designate Sarawak as a satellite launch site.

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