Dr. Karen Korematsu Shares Her Father's Legacy at California Western

Law students routinely study the Korematsu case, but few have the opportunity to hear directly from the daughter of the man behind it.

For law students, Korematsu v. United States is a familiar name from constitutional law casebooks. But at a recent California Western School of Law event hosted by the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA), students had the rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who has devoted her life to preserving and advancing that legacy.

Dr. Karen Korematsu, founder and president of the Fred T. Korematsu Institute and daughter of civil rights icon Fred Korematsu, spoke to a packed audience of students, faculty, alumni, and attorneys about civil liberties, constitutional rights, and the continuing relevance of her father's story. 

From left: Professor William Aceves, Dean Miriam Baer, Dr. Karen Korematsu, APALSA Past President 3L Janet Nguyen, Hon. Judge Selena Dong Epley

The program featured remarks from Dean Miriam Baer, Professor William Aceves, and Hon. Selena Dong Epley of the San Diego Superior Court. Judge Epley's personal connection with Dr. Korematsu helped make the event happen and brought one of the nation's most prominent civil rights advocates to campus. The event would also not have been possible without the support of co-sponsors Japanese American Bar Association of San Diego (JABA-SD), and the Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego (PALSD). 

During her presentation, Dr. Korematsu reflected on her father's challenge to the government's incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and the decades-long effort to correct the injustice that followed. She explained how a petition for writ of error coram nobis ultimately led to her father's conviction being vacated more than 40 years later, providing what many viewed as his long-overdue day in court.

Dr. Korematsu presents historical photos

For attendees, the discussion offered more than a history lesson. It highlighted the ways legal advocacy can challenge injustice and reaffirm constitutional protections. 

"Law students read Korematsu in our constitutional law classes, but having Dr. Korematsu speak about her father's legacy provided a personal touch that made the law feel more accessible," said Janet Nguyen, APALSA's immediate past president and the event's lead organizer. 

Nguyen described Dr. Korematsu's presentation as candid, powerful, and particularly meaningful in today's political climate. Through the Fred T. Korematsu Institute, Dr. Korematsu has spent nearly two decades promoting civic engagement, civil liberties education, and social justice while sharing the lessons of her father's experience with audiences across the country. 

Her message resonated with audience members across generations. Among those in attendance was alumnus Michael Crowley '84, who recalled that studying and debating the Korematsu case played a significant role in inspiring him to pursue a legal career. 

Audience applauds Dr. Korematsu

"This event set the tone for the rest of our weekend," Nguyen said. "Not only were we able to host such a renowned advocate, but we were able to continue our conversations with her during the California Asian Pacific American Bar Association (Cal-APABA) Conference." 

The timing proved particularly fitting. Following the event, Dr. Korematsu was honored by the (Cal-APABA) as a Community Champion, while California Western's APALSA chapter received APALSA of the Year honors. 

For Nguyen and her fellow student leaders, standing alongside Dr. Korematsu was both inspiring and affirming. 

"As fellow Asian women, we were overjoyed to be standing next to such an influential figure," Nguyen said. "She was impressed and proud to see bright young women leading the future of our legal system." 

By connecting a landmark constitutional law case with the lived experiences behind it, Dr. Korematsu challenged attendees to see the law not only as a body of doctrine, but as a tool capable of both perpetuating and correcting injustice. Her visit served as a powerful reminder that the responsibility to protect civil rights ultimately belongs to each new generation of lawyers. 

From left: Immediate Past President of APALSA 3L Janet Nguyen, JABA-SD Co-President Ashley Silverman, Dr. Karen Korematsu, Vice President of APALSA 2L Irisa Mehta, and 3L Co-President of APALSA Mackayla Wall