In your story "Speakers discuss move to close military school," Jan. 20, The Daily Collegian stated that "soldiers from the School of the Americas were suspected to be the kidnappers."

First of all, there is no longer a School of the Americas. The institute referred to is now called the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHISC). Also, there are no soldiers that conduct missions from that school. It is simply an institute. To imply that the U.S. government has soldiers at a school in Georgia that go into other countries and abduct families is absurd.

I understand the point of view of the speakers. I remain disappointed at the numerous functions held on campus that are against our national defense policy without asking for any other point of view or commentary. There is a very strong tie between Penn State and the military, but we continue to allow such one-sided discussion to occur on our campus. More disappointing is the irresponsible reporting by the staff. If you are going to report on a story, report facts and identify organizations by their official names, or state that the name you refer to them by as being their "unofficial name." Also, as reporters, I would like to think you would be concise with your facts and maybe even try to introduce other sides to the story.

Understand, I am not commenting officially or otherwise on what WHISC does or whether or not the guest speakers' views are valid. I am simply asking that the newspaper exercise a little more effort to ensure that they are reporting news and not sensationalizing the news.

This is one of the nation's best universities and our paper should rise to that level.