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Tunnel of Oppression

What is the Tunnel of Oppression?

The Tunnel of Oppression is a grassroots campus diversity initiative originally developed at Western Illinois University. The initiative stemmed from a homogeneous campus environment searching for a way to bring the realities of oppression into a full sensory experiential manner. The creators of the Tunnel of Oppression wanted to give participants the opportunity to see, touch, hear, and feel the realities of oppression as a stepping stone towards creating diversity awareness. The Tunnel of Oppression was loosely based off of the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, CA.  The Tunnel of Oppression allows participants the opportunity to explore various forms of oppression and discrimination including racism, heterosexism, sexism, Anti-Semitism, and ageism. The Tunnel of Oppression is intended to be an eye-opening and conscious building experience, and it is targeted at those students who have rarely experienced difference. The rationale is that students are unable to "fully understand" oppression and discrimination until they have experienced it first-hand. The experience should stimulate thoughts, feelings, and emotions around the issues and images presented.  

This will be the second time the Tunnel of Oppression will happen on the CSB/SJU campus. It is part of a rotation of events which provide for experiential learning around areas of race, gender, sexuality, ability, religion, and immigration. Staff and students join together in identifying moments in recent and long-term history which are meaningful, by combining video, images, and campus-specific elements to better understand the impact of acts of tolerance and intolerance in our society. Cosponsored by CSB Residential Life, SJU Campus Life and Student Activities & Leadership Development, the event is complemented by the work of the Joint Events Council, Resident Assistants, Cultural Affairs Board, and the Intercultural Center. 

When is the Tunnel of Oppression open? 

How much time should I spend viewing the Tunnel of Oppression?

The Tunnel of Oppression is a self-directed viewing exhibit; you set your own pace, but we recommend about 45 minutes viewing the Tunnel of Oppression.