The concept of this program occurred as a result of some inappropriate behaviors on a college campus during the Halloween season. Each incident involved students who were being insensitive to societal ills, both historical and present day. The program is meant to heighten the awareness that making jest of such situations is both inappropriate and insensitive. It's interactive nature is based on the philosophy that "One cannot fully understand the struggles and/or circumstances of another unless he/she has experienced it for themselves."

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The "Box of Horrors" is an experiential learning activity that puts some of the hottest issues in America in their proper context for students to experience. The "Box of Horrors" exposes students to societal issues and historical truths about the following: Native American genocide and the Trail of Tears, the African slave trade, the Jewish holocaust, domestic violence, police brutality, sexual assault, prostitution, homelessness in America, hate groups, HIV/AIDS, immigration, and issues for individuals with disabilities.

The "Box of Horrors" takes students on a tour through a new kind of house of horrors. Students don't meet the traditional ghost and goblins, but meet a cast of characters that will help them see the true horrors in our society that they often make light of in the name of cheap entertainment.

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One goal of this program is to heighten the awareness that making light of anothers circumstances or of a societal ill is not an acceptable behavior. Dressing in costumes and attempting to emulate the lifestyles or situations that others are facing or have been faced with feeds into the dehumanization of another. The "Box of Horrors" encourages sensitivity to societal ills and provides a creative way in which difficult conversations can take place and dialogues begin.

Another goal of the "Box of Horrors" is to allow students the opportunity to experience first-hand the horrors that have been or are currently being perpetrated. It is also an opportunity for students to learn aspects of our history that are often overlooked in our traditional educational system.

The final goal of the "Box of Horrors" is to empower students to hold others accountable for their actions.

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By experiencing the "Box of Horrors", students are able to realize the seriousness of the situations portrayed and understand the impact that these events have had and continue to have on our society.

Everyday across college campuses students are surrounded by inappropriate behaviors, offensive language and insensitivity to the lifestyles and/or circumstances that others are confronted with, yet most students turn a deaf ear or a blind eye to these occurences. After visiting the "Box of Horrors", students are more comfortable challenging their peers attitudes about issues of social justice.

The "Box of Horrors" also demonstrated a commitment from Purdue University as an institution to enhance the educational experience for all students. The program also served to create a supportive environment for those individuals who represent the diversity of Purdue Universtiy.

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Blackface incidents, Native-Americans used as mascots, "Pimps and Hoes" parties, and making light of someone's everyday reality! With the proliferation of insensitive occurrences such as these occurring on college campuses today, how do you address the issues with your students without infringing upon their right to free expression? You let the issues out of the box!

The "Box of Horrors" was not only highly interactive, intensely emotional, and life changing, but it was also historically comprehensive and factually accurate. This program is both timely and relevant as it addressed issues of the past, present and future. The program allowed students an opportunity to reassess their views and attitudes on a variety of issues and increase their knowledge-base on these topics. Those who participated in this life altering experience left with an enhanced level of confidence and a greater ability to discuss and confront difficult issues.

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I would first encourage the organizer(s) to get the support of the Residential Life Administration conceptually as well as financially. Most campuses have grant monies available for programs of this nature. Writing a grant is a great way to secure supplemental and/or matching funds for the program. I would also encourage that the organizer(s) get the buy-in of their peers as the program will take more than one person to plan and execute.

The organizer(s) will need to contact Mr. Bryant Smith at Smith Consulting and Networking to begin making plans. The contact information can be obtained by contacting the person in charge (phone number and email address above). When discussing the program with the facilitator, be sure to inform him of any issues that may be specific to your campus as he can create scenarios which will make the program more applicable to your campus needs. The organizer (s) will then need to secure a space which will allow them the use of 10-12 rooms for a 3-4 hour time frame. Actors, actresses and tour guides will also need to be secured. Working closely with the facilitator on props, scripts and other program needs is essential in ensuring the program's success.

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