San Jose State University (SJSU) recently issued a formal apology for its role in the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. This acknowledgment came during the university’s commemoration of the Day of Remembrance, which marked the 82nd anniversary of President Franklin Roosevelt’s signing of Executive Order 9066 in 1942. This order led to the unjust imprisonment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The university recognized its involvement as a processing center for the local Japanese community, where 125 SJSU students were forced into internment camps. SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson expressed regret for the past actions, stating, On behalf of San Jose State University, I apologize to the people who were processed on our campus. We can’t turn back the clock, we can’t undo the damage, but we can learn from what happened.
During the Day of Remembrance event at SJSU, attendees shared personal stories, reflections, and a commitment to acknowledging and learning from the dark chapter in history. Assistant Professor Yvonne Kwan emphasized the importance of the never again sentiment, highlighting that this story is not just about Japanese Americans but applicable to all individuals.
In honor of those affected by the Japanese American incarcerations, the university plans to install a mural on the Yoshihiro Uchida Hall, named after an SJSU alum who experienced internment. This move aims to further recognize the school’s involvement in this regrettable period of history.
Overall, the Day of Remembrance event at SJSU served as a platform for reflection, understanding, and a collective effort to ensure that such injustices are never repeated. Through acknowledgment and education, the university aims to create a more inclusive and empathetic community for all individuals.
