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SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 45 Batco Belt Conveyors minimize impact damage protecting the grade quality and germination performance of your delicate seed. Batco manufactures Long Conveyors and Field Loaders as well as Low Profile Transfers Pit Stops and custom conveyor options. Handling whats important. 877.667.7421 batcomfg.com MINIMUM DAMAGE MAXIMUM GERMINATION In its report the union says these types of FOIA requests compromise academic freedom and the exchange of ideas and constructive criticism. The use of open records laws to harass researchers emerged with the growing use of electronic com- munications the authors write. Conversations that use to take place over the phone or in person are now conducted by email a format that leaves a permanent record. When these email discussion are made public through records requests the privacy that aca- demics have long enjoyed in discussions with colleagues is compromised. This can have a chilling effect on the frank exchange of ideas and con- structive criticism a crucial part of the scientific process. Additionally the authors say the abuse of open records requests also hinders researchers simply by hijacking their schedule. Complying with requests may take dozens or even hundreds of hours of researchers time putting their real work on hold or on the back burner for a long while reports the Union for Concerned Scientists. This may often be the main purpose of such requests. In its report the Union for Concerned Scientists calls for a measured approach to open records with a more discrete definition of which requests serve the public good and which do not. Petition Supports Scientists In response to the USRTKs filing of more than 14 Freedom of Information Act requests the Cornell Alliance for Science wrote a letter of support to the scientists. This letter has become an online petition of sorts with more than 1000 signatures. The letter reads To the 14 public sector scientists who are being harassed by agenda-driven anti- science FOIA requests I stand with you. This is a tactic taken directly from the climate deniers handbook to mislead the public on an issue of clear scientific consensus with personal communications taken out of context. You were targeted because of your engagement with the public on key scientific issues and I dont want your voice to be silenced. This is the latest step in a broader anti-science campaign that is hurting our society. The Freedom of Information Act is essential for a healthy democracy but this request is not in the public interest. This request is clearly a witch-hunt by an anti- science organization with the goal of chilling academic discourse. I stand with the 14 targeted scientists and urge them to stand up for academic freedom and the protection of scientific discourse. I urge you to stay strong in the face of anti-science bullying and not compromise your important work. The Cornell Alliance for Science seeks to promote access to scientific innovation as a means of enhancing food security improving environmental sustainability and raising the quality of life globally. SW WHEREON THE WEB This issue continues to evolve as the pressure mounts. You can listen to Kevin Folta on Talking Biotech at www.talkingbiotechpodcast.comp130.