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Following is an introduction to a Social Justice Issue: "Close School of the Americas." (Dorothy and Gwen Hennessey, OSF, as inspirational people, David Corcoran's "We Are All One Body", and Joyce Ellwanger's "Prison Fog" are complementary pieces.) Links to web sites are included for *in-depth information, *analysis, *action ideas, *contacts, and *organizing initiatives. You are encouraged to use the links to take you to facets of this issue that speak to your heart, mind, and desire to unite your faith with action. |
Close
"School of the Americas"*
* The "School of the Americas" or "SOA" are the common names for the school, even after it was renamed the "Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation" in 2001.
The U.S. "School of the Americas"* (SOA), as it is still commonly known, trains Latin American soldiers in commando operations, infantry tactics, military intelligence, counter-insurgency, and anti-narcotics operations. It is based in Fort Benning, Georgia.
Hundreds of thousands of Latin Americans have been tortured, raped, assassinated, "disappeared", massacred, and forced into refuge by SOA graduates. 
Others have been responsible for horrible massacres and abuses, including the assassinations of El Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero and Guatemalan Bishop Juan Gerardi. An SOA graduate was also arrested for the murder of Columbian Archbishop Isaías Duarte.
Redress for horrible actions is possible, albeit belatedly. In July 2002, two SOA-trained generals were convicted of being responsible for rape, torture, and other atrocities during El Salvador's bloody civil war.
In February 2004, due to the human rights abuses attibuted to graduates of the school, Venezuela ceased all training of its soldiers at the School of the Americas. Since then, Uruguay and Argentina have rejected SOA training of their soldiers. In 2008, Colombian army commanders, who received U.S. assistance and training, were fired for killings of civilians.
SOA Watch "is an independent organization that seeks to close the U.S. Army School of the Americas through vigils and fasts, demonstrations and nonviolent protest, as well as media and legislative work." This dedicated group of social activists has organized vigils at Fort Benning for several years. (See photos of the 2010 vigil.)
The demonstrations are organized each year on or around the November 16, 1989 anniversary of the killings of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper, and her daughter. A United Nations panel found that the 19 Salvadoran officers involved in the slayings were trained at the SOA.
There are several ways to raise consciousness and build support to close the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation:
- Tell your representative to cosponsr H.R. 3368. If they have alredy done so, express your gratitude.
- Particitpate in SOA Watch's Days of Action: April 11-17, 2012.
- Act in solidarity with SOA Watch prisoners of conscience. Join (or initiate) a local SOA local group.
- Organize a teach-in to educate others about the SOA/WHISC; use SOA Watch Info. Discuss SOA Watch videos.
- Read the inspiring story about Dorothy and Gwen Hennessey, OSF, and David Corcoran's moving testimony before the judge, "We Are All One Body."
- Using books, tapes, and videos -- educate family members, friends, coworkers, and members of church and civic groups about the nature of the school and the need to close it.
Acknowledgements
SOA Watch for use of its graphic.
Pictures: Sisters of Christian Charity.
Modified February 1, 2012.