2/19 Event: School of the Americas Discussion

Thursday, February 19, 2004
5:00-7:00 pm
Maraschi Room, Xavier Hall, Golden Gate and Parker
University of San Francisco

The U.S. School of the Americas (now re-named the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security and Cooperation) has been accused of training and arming Latin American soldiers who have tortured, murdered and raped thousands in their home countries.

Proponents say the school is important to U.S. foreign policy, that it provides education in human rights and democracy, and that no school should be held accountable for the actions of some of its graduates.

Panelists Include:

· Kenneth La Plante, Executive Liaison Officer and Operations Coordinator,
Western Hemisphere Institute for Security and Cooperation (formerly School of
the Americas), Fort Benning, Georgia.
· Lt. Colonel Linda Gould, Latin American Foreign Area Officer, Western
Hemisphere Institute for Security and Cooperation.

· Prof. Terry Karl, Professor of Political Science at Stanford University.
Her research interests include democratization in developing countries, Latin
American politics, human rights, and U.S. policy.

· Prof. Bill Quigley, Loyola University School of Law. Quigley has
helped defend demonstrators charged with trespassing at Ft. Benning.

· Moderator: Jeffrey Brand, Dean, USF School of Law

· Introduction: Stephen A. Privett, S.J. USF President

Rachael Meeropol and Susan Trautman from Center for Constitutional Rights will also attend.

*Refreshments will be provided.

This forum is sponsored by the following groups: USF School of Law, USF St. Thomas More Society, USF Criminal Law Society, USF International Law Society, USF La Raza Law Students Association, USF Amnesty International, USF Public Interest Law Foundation, USF Jewish Law Students Association, USF University
Ministry, USF SOA Watch, USF Peace and Justice Coalition and the Public Interest Law Program.