Boxes & Walls: An interactive diversity event

September 30, 2014

What started out as a training event for resident assistants in the fall of 1998 has now grown to become one of the most compelling and popular diversity events at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

From Oct. 13-16 in Esker Hall, from 6-10 p.m., students will be able to attend Boxes & Walls, a haunted-house-format event in which students experience the oppression of a modern social justice issue. The themes of the rooms will be: Disability, African-American, Latino/Latina, Gender, LGB, and Socio-Economic Status. Tours begin every 20 minutes.

"I hope students leave the program with a better understanding of how it feels to be an unrepresented student," said Terry Tumbarello, associate director of residence life.

Each year, students' reactions to the event vary from shock, to the students then wanting to volunteer and help spread the message.

"The [reactions] that are most powerful are the students who state this event was life changing, or want to volunteer," said Tumbarello.

Organizers expect close to 1,500 students to attend. About 150 volunteers and 20 staff members work the event, with planning beginning in January.

Originally, Boxes & Walls occured every other year when it was first established. Due to high praise and popular feedback, it is now an annual event. Those who have attended Boxes & Walls in the past are encouraged to attend again, and those who have never attended before can expect an eye-opening experience.

-- Written by Alyssa Langer