Roger Williams University Marks Fred Korematsu Day with Reflection on Rights and Responsibility

BRISTOL, R.I. - The Roger Williams University community commemorated Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution on Jan. 30 with a public program in Global Heritage Hall. The event honored the legacy of the civil rights activist and underscored the continuing importance of protecting constitutional freedoms.

Presented in collaboration with RWU's Public Humanities & Arts Collaborative(The Co-Lab), the RWU Asian American Alliance, the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, the AAPI History Museum, Communities of Hope Civic Media, the Japan-America Society and Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island, Inc., and the RWU School of Law, the program brought together students, faculty, and community members for an evening of reflection, education, and dialogue.

Fred Korematsu challenged the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, taking his case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in what became a landmark civil liberties decision. Though the Court ruled against him in 1944, uncovered evidence of government misconduct led to the overturning of his conviction nearly four decades later. Korematsu remained an activist throughout his life and was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Karen Korematsu, Fred's daughter, joined the program via Zoom to reflect on her father's life and the responsibility of continuing his work.

"This is a day of advocacy," she said. "This is a day to take action. That's what this day represents, because that's what my father did."

Ahead of the event, the towns of Bristol and Barrington, the Rhode Island Governor's Office, and the Rhode Island General Assembly issued proclamations officially recognizing Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution. Jeremy Chiappetta, senior advisor to Gov. Dan McKee,formally presented the proclamation Friday on behalf of the state.

"This is a really important legacy for our state to recognize," Chiappetta said. "It is important to protect the constitutional freedoms of people in this country, and Korematsu's legacy is a stark reminder of what we can be without the right guardrails."

Attendees then viewed a screening of the documentary Of Civil Wrongs and Rights: The Fred Korematsu Story, followed by remarks from community leaders.

R.I. State Sen. Linda Ujifusa, a third-generation Japanese American, shared her family's experiences with incarceration during World War II and stressed the importance of learning from history.

"I think this is a really timely event," Ujifusa said. "Fred Korematsu represents someone who stood up to unjust laws and continues to inspire people." She added that she was encouraged to see students engaging with these issues and hopes the recognition of this day motivates them to continue their advocacy.

The keynote address was delivered by LawProfessor Natasha Varyani, who reflected on growing up with immigrant Indian and Pakistani parents and navigating questions of identity and belonging in a post-9/11 America.

"I have been inspired by others who have found a way to be true to their heritage while also embracing their Americanness," Varyani said. She noted that Asian American contributions are often absent from historical narratives. "This invisibility, whether overt or subtle, can be deeply damaging - not only to Asian American children, but to our entire national identity. Visibility matters."

The audience then engaged in a panel discussion moderated by Associate Professor of JournalismBernardo Motta. Panelists included Varyani; Maryanne Brandmeier, president of the Japan-America Society and Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island, Inc.; and Jeannie Salomon, founder and executive director of the AAPI History Museum in Providence. The discussion examined Fred Korematsu Day as a catalyst for civic engagement and public education.

As highlighted by Sen. Ujifusa, student voices were central to the event. Paige Morris, a senior Forensic Sciencemajor from East Sandwich, Mass., and president of RWU's Asian American Alliance, was also on the panel and spoke about the personal and collective importance of the day's recognition.

"This event means a lot to the Asian American Alliance, and it means a lot to me," Morris said. "As of right now, there aren't many days of recognition for Asian Americans. It means a lot to bring attention to the different Asian cultures, and it's important for people to see our histories."

Elizabeth Rosner, faculty director of The Co-Lab at RWU, emphasized the relevance of Korematsu's legacy.

"Korematsu's courage underscores that civil liberties are neither issued nor guaranteed," she said, "but are continually negotiated through critical engagement and active participation in civic and public life."

Rosner later reflected on the broader impact of the program, noting its role in connecting the university with the wider community.

"This program created an important bridge between campus and community - bringing students, faculty, and local and state leaders together in shared learning and conversation," she said. "It wasn't only about honoring Fred Korematsu's legacy, but about how we can learn from history to create change in the present."