March 24, 2003
Contact: Leslie J. Webb (509-963-1685/fax 509-963-3561/e-mail: webble@cwu.edu)
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Planning is now underway as Central Washington
University prepares for a two-part interactive dramatization — the
“Tunnel of Oppression” and “Writing on the Wall Project” — designed to
confront issues of awareness, oppression and discrimination.
The Tunnel of Oppression is designed to challenge the thoughts,
perceptions and inner feelings of students, staff and community members
about oppression and hatred. As they travel through the “tunnel,”
participants are presented with examples of sexism, racial profiling,
body image and domestic abuse – issued that may confront them in real
life.
“This is a sensory program that gives participants an opportunity to
experience the oppression that some people must deal with all the
time,” Leslie Webb, CWU diversity education center director, says.
While the experience is not meant to offend or cause tension, the
tunnel does have an effect on nearly every visitor who passes through
it.
“The tunnel is such a moving experience that some people cry, some get
angry but others are unfazed,” Webb notes.
The presentation will involve about 30 student volunteers, including
those who will lead tours, arrange multimedia presentations or act in
vignettes. The National Association of College and University
Residence Halls named it “Program of the Year” in 1995, though this is
the first time it has been presented in Washington state.
The tunnel will be open April 21 and 22 in the Samuelson Union
Building (SUB).
It will be followed by construction of the wall project – a cinder
block edifice roughly 10 feet by 35 feet — at the SUB amphitheatre.
“An act of discrimination, oppression or hatred is shown through
painting, drawing or other artwork, or a written representation on each
brick,” Webb says. “By showing these acts of inhumanity in wall form,
it’s easier to visualize, recognize and understand that these are what
create the barriers that separate us.”
The subsequent tearing down of the structure, on May 1, is designed to
signify that participants need to act personally and realize that
collaboration can create positive change for the future.
Brick painting will take place April 22 to 25 in the SUB.
“Those participating need to understand that the bricks represent
terrible things, not our hopes or dreams for a better future,” Webb
points out. “As the wall is brought down, it represents that which we
must overcome. That will allow us to build a better future on a fresh,
new foundation.”
For more information about either project, or for persons of
disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509)
963-1685, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143. The
sponsoring organizations are CWU residence life, diversity education
center, campus activities and disability support services.
“Not only university students, but everyone throughout Kittitas County
is encouraged to participate in both events,” Webb adds.
