The Tunnel of Oppression will return to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus for the fifth year to educate about oppression, and will be held in the Reeve Memorial Union Ballroom Nov. 28 – 30.
The dates and times are:
- Monday, November 28 (7 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
- Tuesday, November 29 (11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Wednesday, November 30 (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
The Tunnel of Oppression is a campus-wide diversity program that a variety of students, faculty and organizations are involved with coordination and implementation of. It is a multimedia tour in which participants walk through a series of rooms that incorporate interactive scenarios, various multimedia and information designed to challenge ideas and perceptions of oppression. Issues portrayed this year include: Queerphobia, Socio-Economic Status, Sexism, Genocide, and the Oppression of African American Women.
“The Tunnel of Oppression is built intentionally to educate participants on what oppression is and to challenge people’s ideas and perceptions about oppression,” said Cal Boren, Community Development Specialist within the Department of Residence Life. “The main objective of the Tunnel of Oppression is to continue building awareness on the issues presented. Exposing people to the realities in our school, community, state and world and allowing people to examining their own biases and prejudices are essential parts of inspiring others to make a significant attempt at ridding our society of any form of oppression.”
For the second year, a short movie that showcases the diversity of our campus will also be shown. It features students and faculty members who have spoken up on what they feel diversity means to them and UW Oshkosh. Similar to previous years, a mini Taste of Oshkosh will be set up in the Reeve concourse. Participants can visit various tables set up by several organizations on campus to become familiar with resources, become more educated and learn more about what they can do to confront oppression.
“Not only do we want to educate on oppressive issues, we are educating others that there is a way to combat oppression. We want people to walk away not only being a little more educated but also a little more inspired to stand for justice and be equipped to do so,” says Boren.
The Department of Residence Life, United Students in Residence Halls (USRH), CARE/MenCARE, Counseling Center, Hmong Student Union (HSU), Rainbow Alliance for H.O.P.E., LGBTQ Resource Center, Fair Trade, Titan Unitarian Universalists, UWO Circle K, Women’s Advocacy Council (WAC) and the U Matter campaign are all sponsors for this event.
The issues addressed throughout this program are extremely pertinent to all of our lives today; oppression exists everywhere, Boren said.
“I have been very impressed by the high level of student involvement in the Tunnel of Oppression program. The great success of this event demonstrates both the talent and commitment level of our student organizations. It makes me proud to be a member of the UW Oshkosh community,” said Tom Fojtik, Director of Residence Life at UW Oshkosh.
The Department of Residence Life submitted this announcement. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to contribute calendar items, campus announcements and other good news to UW Oshkosh Today.