Rep. Takano Introduces Bipartisan Legislation Honoring Fred Korematsu
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39), the First Vice-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), introduced a legislative package to honor the life of civil rights icon Fred Korematsu. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
“Fred Korematsu stood up for the over 125,000 Japanese Americans, including my parents, who were incarcerated under an unlawful executive order,” said Congressman Takano. “I am proud to partner with my colleagues both across the aisle and in the Senate to ensure that Fred Korematsu’s legacy is remembered for generations to come. It is only right I introduce this package on what would be Mr. Korematsu’s 106th birthday.”
Co-Leads of The Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act:
The first bill includes The Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act, introduced by Rep. Takano, which would award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal to Fred Korematsu in recognition of his contributions to civil rights, his loyalty and patriotism to the nation, and his dedication to justice and equality. This is the first time the Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act has been introduced with bipartisan support, including Reps. Fong, Maloy, and Young.
“Fred Korematsu’s conviction to stand up for what was right, his faith in the Constitution, and his patriotism gave him the strength to endure and persevere through much adversity,” said Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20). “I am extremely proud to co-lead this bill to posthumously award Fred Korematsu with a Congressional Gold Medal. Korematsu’s unwavering bravery and courage continue to inspire the nation.”
“The story of Fred Korematsu, a civil rights hero in American history, has been well preserved in Utah where he was unjustly interned for several years,” said Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-2). “Though a reminder of one of the darker parts of our history, Fred's life teaches us that our liberties can easily be taken away, and it's up to each generation to fight to protect them. It is only fitting that he receives the highest honor Congress can bestow.”
“Fred Korematsu was a hero who stayed true to his convictions despite being unjustly punished for fighting for the civil rights of fellow Japanese Americans,” said Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40). “While his conviction was overturned in 1983, awarding Korematsu a Congressional Gold Medal is the least we can do. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to honor his bravery and heroism.”
Co-Leads of Congressional Resolution & Congressional Gold Medal Act:
The second piece of legislation includes a resolution establishing a national “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution” day, also introduced by Rep. Takano, which recognizes the importance of establishing a national Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution and encourages all people to reflect on the importance of political leadership and vigilance and on the values of justice and civil rights during times of uncertainty and emergency. The following co-leads of the Congressional Resolutionare alsosupporting the Congressional Gold Medal Act previously mentioned.
"More than 80 years ago, Fred Korematsu stood up for the rights of more than 125,000 Japanese Americans illegally incarcerated during World War II, devoting his life to fighting for justice and equality,” said Senator Hirono (D-HI). “I am proud to lead this effort to recognize Mr. Korematsu for his courageous contributions and award him with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor and one he rightfully deserves. May Mr. Korematsu’s legacy remind us that eternal vigilance is required of all of us and we must continue to defend the civil liberties of all people and speak out against injustice.”
“Fred Korematsu stood up for hundreds of thousands of Japanese Americans, like my great-grandfather, during a time of great peril when they were being unjustly relocated and interned during World War II. Korematsu’s courageous fight has become a lasting symbol of resistance to racial prejudice across the country, including Hawaii, and I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing these bills to commemorate his bravery and legacy," said Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (HI-02).
“Fred Korematsu confronted a fearful current of hate and discrimination to stand up for our most foundational rights as Americans,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07). “Fred’s battle against the wrongful incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II taught us that we must always stand up, speak out, and unite against injustice. That we must take the time to listen and learn the lessons of the past, so we never repeat those mistakes. The history of the Japanese American community is a story that cannot afford to be lost in time. That’s why we continue to tell Fred’s story and teach our younger generations the perseverance and determination that has been woven into the Japanese American identity. I’m proud to join Congressman Takano to introduce these bills that honor Fred’s legacy of justice and equality for all.”
Dr. Karen Korematsu, the Founder and executive director of the Fred Korematsu Instituteand daughter of Fred Korematsu, has endorsed both measures and shared her support via video.
“The legacy of Fred Korematsu, along with Gordon Hirabayashi, Min Yasui, Mitsuye Endo, and so many others, is that an individual has the power to stand up for justice against unsurmountable odds, and to keep fighting for what is right as Fred Korematsu did for most of his life,” said David Inoue, Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League. “As we celebrate the 106th anniversary of Fred Korematsu's birthday, it gives us the opportunity to consider how we might respond to injustices that might be brought by our own government, and how we might continue the fight even if the courts and national leaders fail to uphold the constitution as they did for Fred Korematsu, and all Japanese Americans during WWII.”
“Fred Korematsu is an Asian American legend and civil rights icon and his recognition is long overdue. He was an advocate throughout his life – not only did he stand up for the civil rights of Japanese Americans during World War II, but he also stood in solidarity with other vulnerable communities such as when he criticized the post-9/11 racial profiling of Arab and Muslim Americans,” said John C. Yang, President & Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice. “In these times, it is especially critical that we fully recognize his achievements and legacy for civil rights and liberties on behalf of all people. Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC urges Congress to award Fred Korematsu a Congressional Gold Medal and recognize January 30th as the ‘Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution.’"
“Fred Korematsu took on our most powerful institutions and won. By formally honoring his legacy, we can send an enduring reminder to keep fighting for the civil liberties of all people, even in the face of overwhelming odds,” said Hajar Hammado, Senior Policy Advisor of Demand Progress. “We thank Rep. Takano, Sen. Hirono, and the bipartisan co-leads for their commitment to honoring Fred Korematsu’s legacy and urge Congress to take these long-overdue steps to honor one of our country's most consequential heroes.”
“Fred Korematsu is an American hero,” said Daniel Schuman, Executive Director, American Governance Institute. “It is only fitting that Congress recognize his service to the nation, which took courage and sacrifice in his unwavering stand for the principle of equal rights for all.”
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