Towers tunnel gives WSU students something to chalk about

Adjacent to Towers Residential Suites is Wayne State University’s chalk tunnel. Anyone who has access to chalk can decorate the tunnel’s surface with whatever they please before it gets washed off around the first of every month.

The tunnel has become a popular platform for all kinds of visual expression. As a result, onlookers have been treated to a vast variety of chalk messages and drawings.

Student organizations have promoted themselves to the student body, a variety of impressive artwork has popped up, socio-political messages have triggered discussions, and general silliness has covered the tunnel.

Clifford Russell, a senior majoring in international business, said that he is in support of seeing intellectual and political diversity in the tunnel because, at a university, the exchange of ideas is bound and meant to happen.

“Whatever you put on the wall is what you put on the wall,” said Russell. “I’ve seen some things that I’ve disagreed with, but at the same time, I value people’s right and ability to offend me, more than I value not being offended.”

Thus far, Russel has not seen any misuse of the wall to the point of requiring regulations. Russell said that he honestly wouldn’t know until he saw it.

“I would draw the line if something was maybe a little too lude or hyper offensive, but I don’t shun other people’s ideas or politics,” said Russell.

Biology major and junior, Natalia Havlin said that although the social activism on Tower’s tunnel chalk tunnel is eye-catching, her favorite chalk creations are by artists and student organizations.

“I like seeing it used for art and advertisements. I know there was some anime and people drew Naruto. That looked really good! It was cool to look at, and it was almost nostalgic to walk by and see that,” said Havlin.

Havlin likes seeing the versatility of the chalk tunnel, and she has never been offended by anything on the wall. She said that the wall represents freedom of expression.

“It’s really hard to try and regulate it because it’s a chalk wall that everybody can pass by, and everybody can write on, but maybe there should be guidelines to keep people from being stupid,” said Havlin.

For example, Havlin distinctly remembers reading many regarding hair and butts.

“That’s really just something that you roll your eyes at,” said Havlin. “I feel like if you’re gonna write something for everybody to see, make it a little more profound than childish.”

Junior linguistics and political science major, Jesiqua Hutchison said that her grandparents once walked through the tunnel and saw the same messages Havlin read.

“They didn’t really say anything, but I could tell that they were uncomfortable with that,” said Hutchison. “It makes us look a little bit immature and I mean, there are definitely better ways to use the chalk wall. But, if that’s the thing that people want to share, they have the right to do that.”

Hutchison said that despite finding those messages funny, it took away from the seriousness of some of the political messages on the wall.

“The other things on the wall definitely reflect well on our school,” said Hutchison. “The Black Student Union’s #BlackLivesMatter chalk outlines that were done recently were really cool.”

Senior psychology and sociology major, Emilee Barnes said that she appreciates both the art and the political stances on the wall. She enjoys that the chalk wall can get people talking because it’s good to have discussions.

“I’m all for it as long as it’s not offensive writing on the wall,” said Barnes. "I think when it’s passed the point of a social or political opinion, and it’s just a personal opinion, you’re putting bad vibes out into the world. That’s when I’m like, okay that wasn’t necessary to put on public property.”

For more information, contact reporter Aleanna Siacon at fv7748@wayne.edu or (586)3545040. Follow her on Twitter: @Aterese11.

http://www.thesouthend.wayne.edu/features/article_efb1e308-9ab4-11e5-a964-93f6f60345e3.html