The Rhode Island House of Representatives has introduced a resolution to commemorate January 30, 2026, as "Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution." This resolution honors Fred Korematsu, who, in defiance of Executive Order 9066 during World War II, refused to be forcibly removed from his home due to his Japanese descent. His subsequent legal battle, which culminated in a Supreme Court case, highlighted the importance of constitutional rights and due process. Although initially convicted, later findings revealed the government's suppression of evidence regarding the lack of security threats, leading to the vacating of his conviction in 1983. Korematsu's advocacy for civil liberties earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.

The resolution emphasizes the significance of Korematsu's legacy in relation to Rhode Island's founding principles of liberty and the protection of individual rights. It calls for a public educational program on January 30, 2026, hosted by various organizations, to reflect on Korematsu's contributions and the ongoing responsibility to uphold constitutional values. The House encourages all Rhode Islanders to learn from history and to stand up for civil liberties, especially during challenging times. The resolution will be transmitted to the Governor and the President of Roger Williams University for acknowledgment.

Introduced by Representatives Speakman, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, and Chippendale, the resolution was introduced on January 29 and has been read and passed by the House.