Civil rights and wrongs

On July 1, the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality officially began its work at UC Irvine, some 15 years after it was established at the Seattle University School of Law. Founded and directed by Robert S. Chang, a professor of law who joined the UC Irvine faculty the same day, the center is dedicated to aiding communities fighting for racial equality and social justice in the tradition of its namesake, whose 1944 lawsuit challenging the legality of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s mass incarceration of Japanese Americans is considered a hallmark of antidiscrimination litigation.

Although Korematsu lost his case, the U.S. Supreme Court finally repudiated that ruling in 2018 – a tribute, Chang says, to Korematsu’s guiding vision in the long struggle against discrimination. “Naming the center after Fred Korematsu is more than just symbolic,” the director says. “It gives us a clear mission and, over the years, has helped attract supporters who share our commitment to justice.”

Throughout his career, Chang’s passion for civil rights has been deeply personal. “Growing up in Ohio, I didn’t learn about Fred Korematsu until law school,” he says. “Discovering his story ignited my commitment to combating injustice and preserving historical memory.”

However, when Chang founded the Korematsu Center in 2009, the landscape for legal education was challenging, thanks to the previous year’s global economic crisis.

“Law school applications were declining sharply, which posed significant financial hurdles,” he recalls. “However, through the support of dedicated donors and strategic partnerships, we managed to establish a civil rights clinic and expand our advocacy efforts.”

Under his leadership, the Korematsu Center gained national recognition for its involvement in landmark cases. “One of our early victories was challenging Arizona’s ban on ethnic studies,” Chang says. “We successfully argued that such policies perpetuate discrimination and violate students’ rights to learn about their own cultural heritage.”

Another significant milestone came during the Trump administration’s implementation of a Muslim travel ban. “We [successfully] represented individuals directly impacted by Executive Order 13769,” Chang says. “By invoking Korematsu v. United States, we highlighted the dangers of using national security as a pretext for discriminatory policies.”

Transitioning to UC Irvine is a strategic move to foster the Korematsu Center’s growth and sustainability. “Irvine’s commitment to public interest and social justice initiatives aligns perfectly with our mission,” Chang says. “Establishing a racial justice clinic integrated into the law school curriculum ensures continuity and expands our capacity to effect change.”

The center’s upcoming initiatives include the creation of a planned endowed chair named after another civil rights icon with “a family legacy that resonates deeply with our mission,”Chang says. “Their fight against discrimination mirrors Fred Korematsu’s struggle for civil rights, and naming an endowed chair in their honor strengthens our commitment to inclusivity and justice.” Details will be announced this fall.

Looking ahead, Chang envisions amplifying the Korematsu Center’s influence through collaborative efforts and strategic litigation. The partnerships include resuming work with the Korematsu Center’s former assistant directors, Jessica Levin and Melissa Lee, who have been appointed directors of a new civil rights center at the Seattle University School of Law, as well as with Caitlin Glass and her Antiracism and Community Lawyering practicum at Boston University’s School of Law.

“Our goal is to continue shaping legal precedents and advocating for marginalized communities,” Chang says. “By fostering partnerships and engaging in impactful litigation, we can uphold civil liberties and combat systemic injustices.”

As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of the Korematsu Center’s journey, Chang’s dedication to advancing civil rights remains steadfast. “Our work is not just about legal victories; it’s about creating a more just and equitable society,” he says. “Fred Korematsu’s legacy inspires us to continue fighting for the rights of all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance.”

If you want to learn more about supporting this or other activities at UC Irvine, please visit the Brilliant Future website. By engaging 75,000 alumni and garnering $2 billion in philanthropic investment, UC Irvine seeks to reach new heights of excellence in student success, health and wellness, research and more. The School of Law plays a vital role in the success of the campaign. Learn more by visiting https://brilliantfuture.uci.edu/school-of-law.