Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (commonly referred to by its former name “The School of Americas” or S.O.A.), located near Fort Benning, Georgia, is a US Army training school that instructs Latin American soldiers and military personnel in subjects such as counter-insurgency and military intelligence. S.O.A graduates have been found guilty in a number of cases of torture and human rights violations. Graduates are also suspected in a number of unsolved criminal cases. Saint Mary’s students have traveled to Georgia since 2000 to participate in peaceful demonstrations, which advocate closing the school. Students participate in the demonstration and work to promote awareness of the school and the situation on campus and in the community. This event is especially important for the Saint Mary’s University campus as Brother James Miller, F.S.C., alum of Saint Mary’s, was killed while working in Guatemala by suspected S.O.A. graduates. |
