Senate Passes Bill Marking January 30th as Fred Korematsu Day

Senate Passes Bill Marking January 30th as Fred Korematsu Day 

Honors National Civil Rights Hero Who Stood Against Japanese Incarceration

 

(BOSTON—1/29/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today passed legislation designating January 30 of each year as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, and reaffirms the Commonwealth’s commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms.  

 

The bill, S.2132, designates the day to recognize the life and legacy of civil rights leader Fred Korematsu, a second-generation Japanese American who courageously challenged the federal government’s decision to incarcerate Japanese Americans during World War II.  

 

After refusing to comply with the internment order, Korematsu was arrested and ultimately brought his case to the United States Supreme Court.  The Court ruled against him in Korematsu v. United States, and decades later, evidence revealed that the federal government had knowingly withheld and falsified information. 

 

Korematsu’s conviction was subsequently overturned in 1983. 

 

“Fred Korematsu’s legacy reminds us of the power—and the responsibility—of insisting that our government uphold the liberties guaranteed to every person by the Constitution,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. “At a moment when residents in Massachusetts and across the nation are meeting federal overreach with courage and resolve, the act of honoring a national hero who stood for civil liberties has never been more important. I am deeply grateful to Chair Lovely and Chair Collins for their work, and to Senator Eldridge for his leadership in sponsoring this legislation.” 

 

“Fred Korematsu's story is one of strength and perseverance in the face of discrimination. By marking Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution on January 30 each year, we highlight the historical struggle AAPI communities face against discrimination across this country and across the world," said Senate Committee on Rules Chair Joan B. Lovely. “I was proud to join my colleagues on the Senate Committee on Rules in advancing this legislation to the floor to honor a man whose conviction, courage and resiliency represent one of the most profound struggles for civil rights in American history.” 

 

“Fred Korematsu’s life represents a true profile in courage and a lasting reminder that democracy requires vigilance and that the rule of law must always be guided by justice,” said Senator Nick Collins, Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. “It was an honor to advance the recognition of his legacy in the Commonwealth. By commemorating his story, we reflect on our nation’s history, acknowledge its shortcomings, and move forward with greater understanding, accountability, and a renewed commitment to protecting civil liberties for all.” 

 

“I want to thank Senate President Spilka for bringing S.2132, An Act Designating January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution to the floor of the Senate for unanimous passage today,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough), lead sponsor of the legislation. “During WWII, Fred Korematsu had the courage to challenge the federal government after a military order forced hundreds of thousands of Americans of Japanese descent into internment camps. His stand became a landmark moment in the fight for due process, confronting racial prejudice and the wrongful incarceration of people based on their race and ethnicity. Korematsu’s resistance struck a lasting blow against discrimination and reaffirmed the principle that no American should be denied their civil rights. I am grateful to the incredible advocacy by so many Asian American civic, political action and coalition groups to fight to create the Fred Korematsu Day, and the Fred T. Korematsu Institute for its vision to use Korematsu's legal battle as a tool to educate all Americans about history, the U.S. Constitution, and the need to expand and protect legal rights.” 

  

By establishing Fred Korematsu Day, Massachusetts joins several other states, including California, Hawai‘i, and Florida, in formally recognizing the enduring significance of Korematsu’s stand for justice. 

  

The legislation also underscores the importance of acknowledging both the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, including discrimination, surveillance, and rising anti-Asian sentiment.   

The Senate Committee on Rules advanced the bill to the full Senate with a 7-0 vote on January 27, 2026. The underlying bill was initially reviewed by the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, which solicited public testimony at a hearing on June 4, 2025. All committee votes are posted on the Legislature’s website.