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Erica,

Are you sure you can't work it to your taste? What sort of conduct
would warrant the clause? Perhaps you could find out what exactly
they are worried you'll do and if it is things you wouldn't dream of
doing anyway, then there's nothing wrong with writing into the
contract that they are not liable for any lawsuits stemming from say
gross negligence in your use of art materials,  or grossly
inappropriate conduct with regard to the students. I hate legal
departments and what they are doing to every publisher and
institution and I think it's great that we stand up to them. I just
mean that just as we are happy to sign a clause saying we will not
plagiarize illustrations, because it's fair that we take
responsibility for that, it may be worth finding out if they have any
legitimate concerns. If not, or if they will only accept vague
wording that could mean that you are stuck with a lawsuit because
some student's nutty mom has a gripe with the class, then good for
you for being unwilling to sign.

Good luck! I hope the "nameless one" behaves!

Hannah