BSU Hosts Inaugural Tunnel of Oppression Event

Student Leaders and Staff to Explore Campus Micro-aggressions

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Cassandra Robinson, crobinson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4336

(BOWIE, Md.) – American society has evolved into a melting pot where many cultures intersect, yet lack of understanding of cultural differences and societal issues such as institutional racism often lead to micro-aggressions and other expressions of cultural biases.

As Bowie State strives to become more culturally aware and foster an inclusive community, students, faculty and staff will explore issues through the lens of others as they participate in immersive scenarios simulating situations where issues of micro-aggressions appear in society. The Tunnel of Oppression: Diversity Experiential Learning event is open to all members of the campus community on Tuesday, October 12, 6 - 8 p.m., Student Center, Wiseman Ballroom. Participants must register by Thursday, October 7.

The inaugural multimedia event hosted by the Office of Multicultural Programs and Services, LGBTQIA Resource Center, Office of Residence Life, and the Student Center is designed to bring awareness to various issues where bias can affect perceptions and actions. Participants will experience contemporary issues of oppression in our society such as ableism, nationalism, racism, sexism, sexual orientation, police brutality, white supremacy, and social class among others.

“It was extremely important that I highlight a number of issues in society that we don't discuss enough to bring about greater awareness,” said Dr. Keadrick Peters, coordinator of multicultural programs and services and director of the LGBTQIA Resource Center. “Since October is the intersection where a number of events such as LGBT history and disability awareness are celebrated, it was the ideal time to collaborate with offices across campus to address these issues.”

Approximately 75 participants are expected to participate in the Tunnel of Oppression, including student leaders. Participants will be guided to breakout rooms where they will go through each interactive session to see what it might feel like, for example, to deal with someone who's blind, and or deaf, compared to somebody who's able bodied or to view the experiences of persons of different nationalities in traditional African American activities.

Additionally, an intersectional activity will allow participants of multiple cultural, ethnic, or personal identities to engage a mock cast of campus offices such as financial aid or the housing department to highlight the interaction experiences that occur on campus from different perspectives.

“I’m excited to participate in the event and to help spread awareness about the experiences of various marginalized groups,” said Jamesina Hanciles, a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management Information Systems who also serves as a resident assistant at Towers Hall. “I want the participants to feel comfortable enough to reflect, learn, and feel like they have a safe place to talk about their experiences.

The event will round out with a discussion where participants will evaluate their experience, which will ultimately help the university explore opportunities to become more inclusive.

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.