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House honors Topaz Internment Camp and Topaz Museum with concurrent resolution
Summary
The House debated and moved a concurrent resolution praising the Topaz Museum and the remembrance of Japanese‑American internees; sponsors recounted history, legal cases such as Korematsu, and museum fundraising and asked members to visit the Topaz Museum in Delta.
The House considered first substitute SCR 10, a concurrent resolution honoring the Topaz Internment Camp and the Topaz Museum in Delta, Utah. Representative Nelson presented historical background and recounted key legal moments, including the wartime internment of Japanese Americans and the later vacating of Fred Korematsu's conviction.
Nelson said the museum — built with community effort and fundraising that included state support — contains artifacts, artwork and oral histories that preserve the legacy of internees. He described educator Jane Beckwith's work to organize the museum board and raise more than $3 million, including roughly $300,000 in state support. Nelson urged colleagues to visit the museum and described the project as a vindication of constitutional principles.
Multiple members joined in tribute; Representative Christensen spoke of local families with Topaz ties and Representative Waite and Representative Carol Moss offered personal remembrances and praise for the museum and teachers involved. Guests including Jane Beckwith and former internees were recognized in the gallery. The resolution was called to the floor for a vote; the transcript shows voting opened and gallery recognition but does not include the final numeric tally in the excerpt.
