Described by past participants as “eye opening” and “extremely important,” Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs will host the 12th annual Tunnel of Oppression next month in partnership with the Lumberjack Cultural Association.
“The purpose of the Tunnel of Oppression is to shed light on forms of oppression marginalized groups face daily,” said Elda Echeverry, LCA president. “Our goal is to educate the SFA community about injustices. Our goal has always remained the same, but the topics and delivery have changed yearly based on relevance.”
First held in 2007, the Tunnel of Oppression seeks to expand the public’s understanding of what it means to be oppressed, whether economically, mentally, culturally or in any other sense.
“We encourage everyone to come because these discussions need to take place, and there are not many opportunities like this in Nacogdoches,” Echeverry said. “Participants should expect to engage in an interactive theatre-type setting to learn about a variety of social and political issues, such as rape culture, the food crisis in Venezuela, racial slurs and even modern-day genocide.”
This year’s Tunnel of Oppression will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 4 and 5. Registration will be held in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Theater.
“LCA, OMA-sponsored organizations and others have been working hard on this event all semester to make this an eye-opening experience,” Echeverry added. “We cannot wait to share this with the SFA and local communities.”
The event is free and open to the public. However, due to the seriousness of some of the topics, children younger than 13 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
By Christine Broussard, marketing communications coordinator at Stephen F. Austin State University.
