The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) proudly endorses the Korematsu legislative package, introduced by Representative Mark Takano, Senator Mazie Hirono, and Senator Tammy Duckworth, to honor civil rights icon Fred Korematsu. This package includes the Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act, a resolution to establish a national “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution,” and the Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act. On Japanese American Day of Remembrance, we reflect on the signing of Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942, which led to the unjust incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans. Fred Korematsu’s legacy embodies resilience and the pursuit of justice, as he courageously challenged the U.S. government’s exclusion orders, taking his case to the Supreme Court and, decades later, being vindicated when the government’s actions were recognized as a grave injustice rooted in racial prejudice and failed leadership. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of safeguarding civil liberties for all.
“Fred Korematsu’s unwavering courage in challenging injustice continues to inspire us and set a precedent for future generations. By supporting this legislative package, we honor his legacy and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the civil rights of all communities,” said Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director of the Asian American Scholar Forum. “Thank you to our Advisory Council member and daughter of Fred Korematsu, Karen Korematsu, for her work in advancing her father’s legacy and to the Japanese American Citizens League for their advocacy. As we face concerns about the return of the China Initiative, it becomes even more imperative for us to remember and ensure history does not repeat itself.”
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Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a national nonprofit that promotes academic belonging, openness, freedom, and equality for all. In response to heightened anti-Asian sentiments and profiling in the U.S., AASF has been a leading national voice fighting for the rights of Asian American and immigrant scientists, researchers, and scholars. AASF membership includes members from the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Science, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, in addition to past and current university presidents, provosts, vice provosts, deans, associate deans, and past and current department chairs.
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