U.S. Representative Young Kim, alongside Representatives Mark Takano, Vince Fong, and Celeste Maloy, has introduced the Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act. This bipartisan bill seeks to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Fred Korematsu for his contributions to civil rights and his dedication to justice and equality.
Fred Korematsu, a Japanese American born in California, opposed the incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. His efforts are recognized as a significant contribution to civil rights in the United States.
"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 Kim. "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."
Congressman Takano emphasized Korematsu's legacy: "Fred Korematsu stood up for the over 125,000 Japanese Americans, including my parents, who were incarcerated under an unlawful executive order. 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."
Congressman Fong highlighted Korematsu's faith in the Constitution: "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. 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."
Congresswoman Maloy remarked on Utah's preservation of Korematsu's story: "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. 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."
Korematsu's defiance against Civilian Exclusion Order 34 led him through legal battles that reached the Supreme Court. Although initially convicted for disobeying government orders during World War II, nearly four decades later his conviction was overturned after evidence showed intentional government misinformation.
This reversal inspired legislative changes like the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 which provided restitution for wrongfully incarcerated Japanese Americans. President Reagan acknowledged this by stating: "[H]ere we admit a wrong; here we reaffirm our commitment as a nation to equal justice under law."
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