Tunnel of Oppression

In a world wrought with injustice, preparing this generation to become advocates for change is a difficult undertaking. However, the TUNNEL OF OPPRESSION attempts to tear down a verycontroversial barrier that divides those who do not understand oppression and those who live it.

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 and intended to be eye-opening and conscious building targeted at those students who have rarely experienced difference. The rationale is that students 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.

The Tunnel of Oppression will be on the UCF campus, Spring 2012!

What is Tunnel of Oppression?

An interactive tour that allows students, faculty and staff to fully understand various types of oppression through experience. The Tunnel covers various types of oppression including: Heterosexism, Racism, Religious Discrimination, Domestic Violence and Lookism

What is the Purpose?

The Tunnel is designed to challenge people's thoughts and perceptions about oppression and hatred through an interactive experience as opposed to rhetoric.

How Can I Help?

Volunteers are needed to publicize, and participate as actors tour guides and to staff the check-in/out tables. Contact Teresa Michaelson-Chmelir, Ph.D. Associate Director of Prevention at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (407-823-2811) for more info on volunteer groups and how to get started.

When and Where Will This Take Place?

Tours will be given:

• April 4th
• April 5th

in the Ferrell Commons Auditorium