Throughout American history, numerous individuals have fought tirelessly to protect and defend the constitutional rights and civil liberties of all people. To celebrate the importance of civil liberties and the Constitution, Governor Neil Abercrombie signed Act 94 into law on June 7, 2013. Act 94 recognizes January 30th as Civil Liberties and the Constitution Day.
The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center and the Hawaii State Bar Association Civic Education Committee have organized an evening program to remind us of courageous individuals who fight for freedom, even when their own civil liberties and rights are being challenged. From standing up against the mass internment of individuals because of their race, to demanding gender equality in the face of a society entrenched in male dominance, to advocating for the rights of immigrant children, many have advanced the cause of equality and justice for all.
Fred T. Korematsu Professor of Law and Social Justice Eric K. Yamamoto will speak about Fred T. Korematsu and his legal challenges to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and Korematsu’s subsequent efforts to seek redress for those who were incarcerated. Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Sabrina S. McKenna will provide insight into the life of Patsy T. Mink, who broke gender barriers and set the ground work for women’s equality in education. Attorney John Egan, who specializes in immigration law, will discuss the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy and the current struggle faced by undocumented youth brought to this country as children and efforts to suspend their deportation.
The program is free to the public. Light refreshments will be served.