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The University's Neutral Observer Program trains volunteers to attend events, such as protests and rallies, in which they personally have no stake and objectively report what happens
by Jobetta Hedelman | Copy Editor
Volunteers are trained to "observe from a behavioral level," and to write reports using language that does not include judgments or opinions.
Bentz said there are two levels of benefits to having neutral observers at events.
"If there is any form of escalation that happens, there's somebody there that can say 'I was there to observe what's going on and here's what I saw,'" she said.
The second benefit is the mere presence of the volunteers, who are easily identifiable by their yellow arm bands, which has a calming effect on the crowd, Bentz said.
"We've had several situations where participants - it looks like they're engaged in behavior that has the potential to escalate - and if a neutral observer is nearby, they tend to calm down," Bentz said.
Gordon said he personally witnessed this benefit of the program. When vice presidential candidate John Edwards came to campus in 2004, some Republican demonstrators were disrupting the people attempting to hand out informational literature. A woman working at the table noticed Gordon and after she came to speak with him, the protesters toned things down.
He said he thinks people are more likely to behave in a less disruptive way because they think the neutral observers are working in an official capacity.
"In the case of the Edwards incident, I think the disrupters had no idea what a neutral observer is, so they think 'Oh, it's some official person who can get me in trouble,'" Gordon said.
Udd said as a leader in the community, she feels the presence of the neutral observers means she "will not be judged for being biased."
"It's kind of a security issue, at least for me," she said, adding it also holds her accountable if she has a skewed opinion of things.
Bentz said neutral observers do not engage with the crowd and are not peace-keepers, but said she thinks people change their behavior if they know someone with no ulterior motive is watching.
"I think when people know that somebody's there with a sole purpose to keep their eye on the tone of an event, people sometimes rethink their behavior as a result because they know it might be documented," Bentz said.
Bentz said there are two levels of benefits to having neutral observers at events.
"If there is any form of escalation that happens, there's somebody there that can say 'I was there to observe what's going on and here's what I saw,'" she said.
The second benefit is the mere presence of the volunteers, who are easily identifiable by their yellow arm bands, which has a calming effect on the crowd, Bentz said.
"We've had several situations where participants - it looks like they're engaged in behavior that has the potential to escalate - and if a neutral observer is nearby, they tend to calm down," Bentz said.
Gordon said he personally witnessed this benefit of the program. When vice presidential candidate John Edwards came to campus in 2004, some Republican demonstrators were disrupting the people attempting to hand out informational literature. A woman working at the table noticed Gordon and after she came to speak with him, the protesters toned things down.
He said he thinks people are more likely to behave in a less disruptive way because they think the neutral observers are working in an official capacity.
"In the case of the Edwards incident, I think the disrupters had no idea what a neutral observer is, so they think 'Oh, it's some official person who can get me in trouble,'" Gordon said.
Udd said as a leader in the community, she feels the presence of the neutral observers means she "will not be judged for being biased."
"It's kind of a security issue, at least for me," she said, adding it also holds her accountable if she has a skewed opinion of things.
Bentz said neutral observers do not engage with the crowd and are not peace-keepers, but said she thinks people change their behavior if they know someone with no ulterior motive is watching.
"I think when people know that somebody's there with a sole purpose to keep their eye on the tone of an event, people sometimes rethink their behavior as a result because they know it might be documented," Bentz said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
dorothy
posted 5/10/07 @ 4:52 AM PST
This is really an incredibley genius idea.I wholeheartidly support it,as an Alumni.Having "objective" observers is one of the most SANE things I can think of. (Continued…)
Jeanette Doney
posted 5/10/07 @ 7:09 AM PST
The idea of a "nuetral observer" is absurd. Bob Dylan sings, "We all gotta serve somebody". Nuetral observers are of, by and FOR the university they serve, the university's laws they observe. (Continued…)
roger
posted 5/13/07 @ 6:11 PM PST
Amazing that there is no neutral reporting any more especially according to the conservative media machine which has successfully been able to label everyone else as "liberal media". (Continued…)
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