Western Carolina University strives to be a school full of diversity. On Feb. 13 and 14 students set an example of that driven stride to show others what they can do to change views.
White board outside Intercultural Affairs office. Photo By: Austin Page
The Tunnel of Oppression, set up by Intercultural Affairs, is a walk through experience that involves seven different situations/ types of real life situations involving oppression on minority groups. Each section discussing topics such as Islamophobia, slavery, Native American oppression and so on.
“I think because Western is so big, speaking of diversity and inclusion, this is a good time to put it in perspective to take action instead of just saying it,” said Intercultural Affairs member, Alexis Gardner. “It affects the university and gives people to get out their comfort zone and just see different things that are going on that they might not know about.”
To go through the tunnel you would be taken in a group of 10 by your tour guide, who would read a summary of what you about to witness in each section. It can take about 15 minutes to go through the entire tunnel and you are given a chance to exit early if you feel too uncomfortable to continue. The topics addressed are either presented by interactive segments – videos surrounded by props about the topic, or live acts performed by actors. After exiting the tunnel your group would be brought to a “room of hope” with a licensed psychologist to openly talk about your experience in a trusting environment.
Students entering the room of hope after a tour. Photo By: Austin Page
“It was very eye-opening,” said WCU student Kaylynn Wilson after she went through the tunnel. “The PTSD, police brutality, and people trafficking really stood out to me because the acting was so good.”
WWCU-FM, the campus radio station, even held a remote broadcast one floor below the tunnel to provide on-air personal interviews with people who went through the tunnel.
Intercultural Affairs host other events throughout the school year including the annual MLK March and the Safe Zone, all events can be found on their website.
