Tunnel of Oppression is an interactive three day event that highlights contemporary issues of oppression, which was recently held in the basement of Deglman Hall. It was designed to introduce participants to the concepts of oppression, privilege and power.

“Tunnel of Oppression is a very powerful and thought-provoking event,” Kenefick Hall Resident Director and Programs Advisor of the Tunnel of Oppression Lucas Novotny, said. “It causes one to confront the concepts of oppression, privilege and power when maybe they haven’t before. I think this is a great event that advocates for social justice and social change. I think this event fits in so well at Creighton. Faith that does justice, in my assessment this event does just that, and pretty well I might add. I think this event is a must-have, must-attend event.”

Tunnel of Oppression was a free event that was open to all. Participants were guided through a series of scenes that aimed to educate and challenge them to think more deeply about issues of oppression. This year the theme was “your voice, your time, your change.”

“Each exhibit in the Tunnel of Oppression is equally important,” Novotny said. “Each touch on a topic that is so important if we are to advocate for social change and social justice. I was really impressed this year as the students took on an issue that was particularly salient to them. I think it made for really impassioned exhibits—I was impressed!”

The event was sponsored by the Department of Residence Life. Tunnel of Oppression is a labor intensive event and requires a lot of manpower to set up. The student group worked on developing the Tunnel of Oppression the entire semester. Typically, the Tunnel of Oppression set-up culminates in an all-nighter type of event, and this year was no different.

“The RAs worked so hard on this event, and they should be commended!” Novotny said.

Tunnel of Oppression is an event that many colleges, universities and schools do across the nation to educate their constituencies about the concepts of privilege and oppression.

“The great thing about the Tunnel of Oppression is that each Tunnel is different and is a product of the students who developed it,” Novotny said. “Each year the lenses change. It is really interesting to see how each group views, and demonstrates these very powerful and controversial topic.”