HRES 77119th CongressIn Committee

Supporting the designation of January 30, 2025, as "Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution".

Introduced: Jan 28, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H. Res. 77 is a non-binding House resolution introduced January 28, 2025, by Rep. Takano, with Rep. Tokuda and Rep. Matsui as co-sponsors. The resolution expresses support for designating January 30, 2025, as “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution.” It provides a historical overview of Fred Korematsu’s life, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, Korematsu v. United States, and subsequent efforts (including findings by the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians and later actions overturning Korematsu’s conviction). The resolution notes that several states have already designated January 30 as Korematsu Day and urges reflection on the importance of civil liberties, constitutional rights, and vigilant leadership during times of uncertainty and emergency. Importantly, the measure is ceremonial and does not create a federal holiday, authorize spending, or impose new regulatory requirements.

Key Points

1The House expresses support for designating January 30, 2025, as “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution,” making it a national observance in spirit (not a government holiday with funding or mandates).
2It presents a historical narrative about Korematsu’s life, his resistance to internment, the Korematsu v. United States decision, the 1983 overturning of his conviction, and his continued advocacy for civil liberties (including his 2003 amicus brief on post-9/11 civil liberties).
3The resolution cites investigations and findings (e.g., the CWRIC report and newly discovered DOJ documents) as part of Korematsu’s legacy and a lesson about government misconduct and civil liberties.
4It acknowledges that several states—California, Florida, Hawaii, Virginia, Arizona, New Jersey, and Michigan—have already designated January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day.
5It calls on the public to reflect on political leadership, the values of justice, and civil rights during times of national stress or emergency.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Civic education and public awareness about civil liberties and constitutional rights; federal legislators, public schools, museums, and other public institutions may reference or observe the designation in a ceremonial context.Secondary group/area affected- Japanese American communities and civil rights organizations; communities engaged in history education and remembrance activities related to World War II-era internment and its modern implications.Additional impacts- Symbolic and educational impact with potential for commemorative events, curricula, and public discourse around civil liberties.- No fiscal impact is anticipated since the resolution is ceremonial and does not authorize funding or create new regulatory requirements.- The designation reflects an ongoing, though contested, historical narrative about Korematsu’s legacy and the balance between national security and civil liberties.

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