Absolutely. Mediation is a collaborative process between parties, and we give the parties what they prefer. In some cases parties prefer confidential discussions because it's an active case before the agency, so that part is confidential. But in other cases they have no desire for confidentiality of any part of the process, in which case there's nothing in our rules that requires that either. So if they want the mediation to take place in some type of public forum or report back publicly, it would be up to the parties. If both parties agree to that, I can't see a problem with it.
On November 2nd, 2006. See this statement in context.