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Senate unanimously approves bill designating Jan. 30 as Fred Korematsu Day
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Summary
The Massachusetts Senate voted unanimously to order Senate No. 2132 (designating January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day) to third reading and passed it to be engrossed after floor statements highlighting Korematsu's challenge to World War II internment and the importance of remembering civil liberties.
The Senate considered and passed Senate No. 2132, an act designating January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution. Senator James Eldridge (opening floor speaker on the bill) recounted Korematsu's legal challenge to internment during World War II and urged passage; multiple senators supported the measure and requested a roll‑call vote.
Senator Eldridge framed the bill as a civic education measure: "His story is one that must be taught, retaught, and this bill is only the start of that worthy effort," and he urged colleagues to support the designation to promote remembrance and dialogue. Senators who spoke in favor underscored the bill's bipartisan support and the importance of teaching difficult chapters of U.S. history.
The clerk called the roll for passage on the third reading; the chair announced that 37 members voted in the affirmative and none in the negative. The chair declared, "The bill is passed to be engrossed." Community leaders joined the Senate in the chamber for the vote, including representatives from Rosie’s Place, the Boston Foundation and the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Next steps: The bill was passed to be engrossed on the Senate floor and will proceed through the legislative process toward enactment.
