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Senate unanimously backs preservation of Topaz internment camp site and museum project
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 2, supporting preservation of the Topaz Internment Camp site and a Topaz Museum and Civil Liberties Learning Center in Delta, passed unanimously and was sent to the House; sponsor highlighted local board and students in attendance.
Senator Stahl introduced Senate Joint Resolution 2, urging the State of Utah to support preservation of the Topaz Internment Camp site, and to back the Topaz Museum and Civil Liberties Learning Center in Delta.
Stahl recounted the site's history, noting Topaz was one of the World War II relocation sites where more than 11,000 Japanese Americans were held from 1942 to 1945. He said the Topaz Museum Board (a nonprofit) had purchased and begun restoring portions of the 640-acre site and collected artifacts and oral histories.
"What this resolution resolves is that the legislature of the State of Utah expresses support for the Topaz Museum Board's effort to preserve and protect the site... and to educate all citizens about Japanese American internment policy," Stahl said. He invited students and board members from Millard County to stand in the gallery.
The Senate called the question and the President directed a unanimous recorded vote: the clerk reported 23 present voting favorably, 0 nay, 6 absent. The resolution passed and will be forwarded to the House.
Why it matters: The resolution commits the Legislature to supporting local preservation and education efforts tied to a nationally significant World War II internment site, underscoring state-level support for historic preservation and civic education.
Next steps: SJR2 will be transmitted to the House for its consideration.
