An article from the University of Oregon details the “neutral observer” program, which trains volunteers to attend potentially controversial events and report what they observe there. Neutral Observer programs began in the 1960s at a number of schools including University of California at Berkeley and the University of Colorado at Boulder. The program has several benefits, most obviously an unbiased view of any conflicts that occur at controversial events. Additionally, neutral observers have been shown to help de-escalate tensions.

5/10/07 Read More from the University of Oregon