Student volunteers will illustrate forms of oppression today, providing a glimpse into the lives of others who have endured hardships due to religion, gender and being military veterans.
The Housing and Residence Life Multicultural Committee will host Tunnel of Oppression today in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Ballroom. This day-long event takes place from noon to 5 p.m. with an open exhibit and concludes with a live exhibit 7 to 9 p.m.
Lauren Harris, a student volunteer, said it has been more than 10 years since an organization at Ball State has hosted Tunnel of Oppression. Despite the hiatus, she believes this event is prevalent now more than ever because it paints a picture of different races and cultural groups.
Harris said she hopes Tunnel of Oppression will begin to eliminate the lack of understanding that divides groups. The event will connect the dots showing that though groups may be different, they have something in common.
Campuses nationwide also host Tunnel of Oppression events, including Kent State, Ohio State and Penn State. Similar to those universities, the Ball State event will display vivid and graphic material.
“In some aspects [Tunnel of Oppression] can be very intense because of some of the actions, real life situations,” said Nequel Burwell, assistant residence hall director for Baker/Klipple. “For those who have never been oppressed before, this is an eye opener.”
Burwell said students put a lot of hard work, time and effort into making these exhibits. Not only will Tunnel of Oppression showcase students’ work through skits, video, photography and slideshows, but it will also give attendees a cultural understanding.
“Students should be able to see that not everybody is the same and they have different experiences,” she said.
Tunnel of Oppression is free for everyone with a limited amount of shirts available for attendees.
Harris urges participants to bring an open mind to tonight’s event in order to foster a better understanding of those around them.
