ALTOONA – The Tunnel of Oppression will be at Penn State Altoona Feb. 17 -18. It is an interactive program highlighting contemporary issues and concepts of oppression, privilege and power.
The Tunnel of Oppression is a campus grassroots diversity program that originated in 1993 at Western Illinois University. Using the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, California, as a model, the Tunnel allows people to experience oppression in a hands-on way.
As they are guided through a series of scenes, students, faculty, and staff are challenged to address their own biases, misconceptions, preconceived notions, stereotypes, and prejudices. Ultimately, the Tunnel attempts to examine and fracture the barrier that divides those who are victims of oppression from those who are not.
Afterward, participants experience the Tunnel of Hope, which helps them explore ways to address and improve upon the presented issues of oppression. There are also ways to debrief what through silent refection or facilitated discussion.
The Tunnel is offered Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts.
More information is available at www.altoona.psu.edu/oied/tunnel.php online. The program is sponsored by the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.