While its maxim is openly affirmed under the manifest "Libertad, Paz y Fraternidad" (Liberty, Peace and Brotherhood), it remains unclear as to how an institution defined by its irrefutable history of international violence can promote itself as advancing principles of justice and freedom, let alone what type of brotherhood it is working to establish.

For nearly two decades, thousands of concerned individuals have participated in vigil protests to highlight the mass indignities facilitated under the sponsorship of this institution, the School of the Americas. Recently renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, this military training facility for Latin American soldiers located in Ft. Benning, Ga., made headlines in 1996 when the Pentagon released training manuals used at the school advocating torture and execution. U.S. tax dollars continue to be funneled into this institution despite hundreds of documented human rights abuses carried out by graduates and affiliates of the school.

This week members of our Marquette community join an international movement to demand the permanent closure of the SOA. Political fasts and hunger strikes have been a time-honored tradition among dissenters, and we have chosen this manner of expression to communicate our opposition to the violations of human rights being carried out through the auspices of our country and demand accountability from our elected representatives in regard to this issue.

From Wednesday to Friday, community gatherings will be held on campus as well as in front of the Milwaukee Federal Building to coincide with the fast. Nightly information sessions and reflections are open to everyone interested in learning about the school and will be held at Casa Maria Catholic Worker, 1131 N. 21st St., beginning at 9:15 p.m.

This spring Congress is scheduled to introduce legislation to determine the fate of the SOA/WHINSEC. We seize this time to bring attention to the continued atrocities, lack of oversight, violation of U.S. laws and blatant disregard for federal court orders that have been continually perpetuated. To learn more visit http://www.SOAW.org.

Keating is a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences.