More than 200 students gather for 'Tunnel of Oppression' experience
More than 200 students gathered to participate in the second annual Tunnel of Oppression event.
This event is one of many that have been held during Martin Luther King week to help spread awareness and create change surrounding injustice and discrimination.
Tunnel of Oppression was held from 4-8 p.m. in the Bovee University Center. The event featured several staged scenarios in which participants were faced with some of the struggles that certain cultures face every day.
The event was put on by A Mile in Our Shoes, a registered student organization committed to the education and advocacy for minority groups on campus.
For Gaylord junior Joshua Moody, this event helped him to see the struggles that other people have to face every day.
“I was a huge shock,” Moody said. “I really enjoyed it. I was really nice to have that eye-opening experience on campus and I can’t wait to apply what I learned with cultural differences on campus.”
Participants went through three scenarios. Each one depicted different kinds of discrimination and oppression that certain groups face.
The first scenario showed an immigrant family being separated my I.C.E and the devastation that a situation like that can cause. The second scenario depicted the United States justice system and how not everyone is given a fair shot. The third scenario showed what it’s like for someone who doesn’t speak English well and the public scrutiny that can come with that.
Whitehall sophomore Allison Rolewicz says that she would definitely recommended this event to other students.
“It definitely gives you a lot to think about,” Rolewicz said. “Even to look at things differently in your everyday life. I would say people should definitely give it a shot.”
Saginaw senior Cheriah Slautgher is a member of A Mile in Our Shoes and believes this event is different from other MLK week events because of the hands-on feel.
“It’s something that you can actually experience, it’s hands on, it’s immersive and you don’t know what you’re going to get walking in,” Slaughter said. “I think the biggest thing is just getting in there not knowing what you’re getting yourself into, but still taking that chance and educating yourself.”
