The California State Personnel Board has formally apologized to Japanese Americans who lost their jobs during World War II solely because of their race, the Sacramento Bee reports.
A 71-year old resolution essentially led to the firings of 265 Japanese Americans during World War II and prevented many more from getting state jobs. This is the first formal apology for that action, although in 1983 the resolution was formally rescinded and up to $5,000 was awarded to 88 Japanese Americans who lost their jobs.
“I applaud the State Personnel Board for its resolution,” said David Unruhe, spokesman for the Japanese American Citizens League. “This apology was a long time coming, but it is a sincere apology nevertheless.”
The Sacramento Bee article contains links to many historical documents along with testimony and letters in support of the State Board’s action.