On September 23, 2010, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 1775 into California law, which establishes, in perpetuity, the Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, on January 30, Mr. Korematsu’s birthday. AB1775 encourages schools across the state to teach students about Fred Korematsu’s story and its contemporary relevance. This is the first day in United States history, on a state or national level, to be named after an Asian American.

Fred Korematsu Day will be celebrated on Monday, January 30, 2012. During the days or weeks surrounding January 30, teachers at every grade level are encouraged to teach Fred Korematsu’s story as it relates to current civil liberties and constitutional issues. The Fred T. Korematsu Institute for Civil Rights and Education has developed Korematsu K-12 Teaching Kits, featuring this teaching guide, to help educators communicate the significance of this story.

The Fred Korematsu Day bill was co-sponsored by Assemblymember Warren Furutani (D—South Los Angeles County) and Assemblymember Marty Block (D—San Diego). The Korematsu Institute played a major role in preparing the bill and garnering community support during the legislative process, resulting in support letters from 250 individuals and 50 diverse community organizations, including several Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian American groups. More information on Fred Korematsu Day can be found at www.korematsuinstitute.org