Interactive exhibit explores connecting identities, social landscapes

Edmonds Community College will present its fourth Tunnel of Intersections exhibit from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, and 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, March 1, on campus in Woodway Hall, room 202.

“The Tunnel of Intersections is an interactive, multimedia experience designed to put participants in touch with intersections of diversity in our community,” said Gem Baldwin, anthropology and diversity studies instructor and event co-chair.  

The Tunnel features a series of vignettes created by Edmonds CC student groups and campus programs, to explore a variety of experiences. In past years, the experiences of veteran students, domestic violence, breastfeeding, childhood poverty, American Muslims, international students, food insecurity, religion and sexuality, low-income and first generation students, and many others have been included.

Participants are encouraged to share their observations and reactions to the exhibit in informal debriefing sessions.

“We hope this exhibit will spark healthy and vigorous discussion among participants, and ultimately will lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of how various members of our community cope on a daily basis with the intersections that are an integral part of their identities,” said Cathie Agor, an Edmonds CC employee.

The exhibit is fashioned after the nationally-recognized “Tunnel of Oppression,” which was first created as a campus grassroots diversity program at Western Illinois University and can now be found at many colleges and universities around the nation.

“This event provides a safe and welcoming environment to discuss our differences and is the embodiment of true collaboration between students and employees which draws our campus closer together,” said Daniel Griesbach, Pre-College instructor and event co-chair.

Locally, Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma has presented its version of the exhibit for several years. Inspiration from the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles was used as a template for the first “Tunnel of Oppression.”

The event is free and open to the public, see campus map and directions.