DeGette Joins with Colleagues to Applaud Presidential Medal of Freedom Award Winner Minoru Yasui

WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Representative Diana DeGette (CO-01) applauded President Obama's announcement that Minoru Yasui, a lifelong champion of freedom and equal rights who challenged the constitutionality of laws that directly targeted Japanese Americans during World War II, will posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

"Our country needs brave men and women like Minoru Yasui precisely at its darkest and most difficult moments," said Rep. DeGette. "I am proud to have joined with Congressman Honda and many others to nominate Mr. Yasui for this well-deserved recognition. His devotion to the ideals of our constitution teaches an important lesson to all Americans: that while it may take time, the rule of law and our legal system will always overcome the power of fear and racial discrimination."

Mr. Yasui was a civil and human rights leader who, after graduating from the University of Oregon School of Law, intentionally defied the military curfew imposed upon American citizens of Japanese descent to serve as a test case on its constitutionality. Mr. Yasui was ultimately convicted and spent nine months in solitary confinement before losing his appeal in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in 1943.

After the war, Mr. Yasui dedicated his life to advocating for equality within Denver and across the nation. His commitment to justice went well beyond the Japanese American committee, extending to rights for Latinos, African Americans, Native Americans, young people, seniors, people with disabilities, and many others. In that work he helped found the Urban League of Denver, the Colorado Latin Leadership, Advocacy and Research Organization, and the Denver Indian Center. His lifetime of advocacy exemplifies what is possible within our democratic process.