By Steve Nakata, Advancement Services
PULLMAN, Wash. – Tunnel of Oppression tours will be conducted Jan. 29-31 in Ensminger Pavilion at Washington State University to encourage participants to learn new perspectives from others different from themselves. Daily tours will begin at 4 p.m. with the final tour starting at 8 p.m.
The free event was created in 2001 to encourage dialogue; it is especially important after the presidential campaign has left the country deeply divided, said Brandon Brackett, assistant director of WSU Residence Life .
“We want to role model for people what good, mature dialogue looks like in an environment where everyone can feel safe,” he said. “The Tunnel of Oppression will expose you to new ideas and perspectives, and hopefully prime the pump that will set you on a new path of self-discovery.”
This year’s tunnel will use a museum format: Visitors will move at their own pace through different rooms themed to controversial topics. Participants will learn about resources that can help them better navigate similar situations in the future.
The Tunnel of Oppression is sponsored by Residence Life in partnership with International Programs and the Office of Multicultural Student Services.