On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This order resulted in over 120,000 Japanese Americans - 77,000 of whom were American-born citizens - being forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in concentration camps because they were perceived as a threat. Many Japanese Americans lost their homes, belongings, careers, and were excluded from schools. Societal racism contributed to the fate of Japanese Americans before and after the war. Similar feelings of “us” versus “them” continue today. How can you apply these lessons to a current issue of infringement based on (but not limited to) ethnicity, disability rights, gender identity, religion, sexuality or national origin?

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

ELIGIBILITY
Any Wisconsin high school student enrolled during the 2023 school year.

PRIZES
Awards of $1000 will be given to 2 winning students. An additional $250 will be given to their supporting teacher.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS
December 31, 2023 (Midnight Central Standard Time)
Winners will be notified by February 1, 2024

TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY
https://bit.ly/46Y6ZzR

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.