Bill > HJR0005

This resolution commends Fred T. Korematsu, a civil rights hero who challenged the discriminatory internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, by highlighting his courageous resistance to Executive Order No. 9066, which authorized the forced imprisonment of Japanese Americans without due process. The resolution provides historical context about Korematsu's legal battle, noting that he was initially convicted by the Supreme Court but later had his conviction overturned, with the Court ultimately acknowledging the grave injustice of its previous ruling. It recognizes Korematsu's lifelong commitment to defending civil liberties, including his advocacy for marginalized groups and his efforts to educate future generations about the importance of constitutional rights. The resolution calls on schools and higher education institutions in Illinois to incorporate Korematsu's story into their curriculum, symbolically honoring his legacy by ensuring that his principled stand against racial discrimination and government overreach is remembered and learned from, with the goal of preventing similar injustices in the future.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=5&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HJR&SessionID=114&GA=104