WHEREAS:

After too many years of civil war and violence resulting in the death of tens of thousands of innocent civilians, peace and democracy have finally taken hold in most of the countries of the Americas.

WHEREAS:

The AFSCME supports U.S. government policies and programs to promote democratization, political stability and the rule of law — especially with respect to basic worker rights. We will continue to do whatever we can, to promote basic worker rights, especially freedom of association and the fight to organize and bargain collectively.

WHEREAS:

The closing of the United States Army School of the Americas would not prevent the United States from providing appropriate training for the military personnel of the armed forces from the countries of Latin America.

WHEREAS:

AFSCME believes that the continued training of Latin American military officers in practices which have led to the violation of human rights is out of step with the emerging climate of peace and democracy throughout the region.

WHEREAS:

The School of the Americas is a relic of a previous era of violence, its very existence undermines the credibility of U.S. government efforts to assist development throughout the region.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The AFSCME supports legislation now pending in Congress to close the School of the Americas.