On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The order resulted in 126,000 Japanese Americans — over 77,000 of whom were U.S. Citizens — being forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in concentration camps without due process. They were labeled as “enemy threats.”

Japanese Americans lost their homes, farms, careers, businesses and personal belongings. Children and students were expelled from their schools. Societal racism directly contributed to the fate of Japanese Americans before and during World War II, as well as their experiences and opportunities afterward. In 1984, the U.S. government, through President Ronald Reagan, officially apologized and gave reparations to surviving internees.

In what ways can societies balance national security concerns with the protection of individuals rights and freedoms?

DESCRIPTION
Minimum of 1000 words, not to exceed 1200 words.

ELIGIBILITY
Open to Wisconsin high school students enrolled for the Spring 2026 semester.

PRIZE
An award of $1000 will be given to the winning student, with an award ceremony held in May.

DEADLINE & SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Submissions will be received between February 19 until midnight on March 23, 2026.
Submit your essay here: https://bit.ly/JACL_Essay_Contest_2026

QUESTIONS?
Send questions to: wijaclessaycontest@gmail.com

PRINTABLE PDF
Click on the poster image or here for a printable pdf.

SPONSORS
Japanese American Citizens League - Wisconsin Chapter
Japanese American Citizens League Legacy Fund Grant

Bill Suyama was a long-time, dedicated member of the Wisconsin Chapter of the JACL. We honor the service of Bill, his late parents and whole family with the naming of this essay contest, which encourages the next generation to consider history and the lives of others around them.