BILL NUMBER: SCR 95	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  AUGUST 5, 2010
	AMENDED IN SENATE  JUNE 17, 2010

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Simitian
   (Coauthors: Assembly Members Ammiano, Hill, Niello, and
Portantino)

                        MARCH 25, 2010

   Relative to World War II.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SCR 95, as amended, Simitian. World War II: Italian Americans.
   This measure would set forth the Legislature's formal
acknowledgment that the treatment of Italian Americans during World
War II represented a fundamental injustice against Italian Americans,
its deepest regrets of these acts, and its reaffirmation of a
commitment to preserving the rights of all people and celebrating
their contributions.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, Since 1852, over 15 million Italians have immigrated to
the United States, bringing with them a culture and heritage that has
enriched the lives of all Americans; and
   WHEREAS, The treatment of Italian Americans during World War II
was authorized by the Alien Enemies Act, which was passed by
Congress, and additional authority was based on Executive Order No.
9066 (issued February 19, 1942) and Executive Order No. 9102 (issued
March 18, 1942). These orders required Italian born citizens and
their families to carry identification cards, face travel
restrictions,  and  obey curfews, and  also
 authorized the seizure of personal property; and
   WHEREAS, 10,000 Italian Americans living on the West Coast were
forced to leave their homes and were prohibited from entering coastal
zones during World War II; and
   WHEREAS, Thousands of Italian American immigrants were arrested
and hundreds were interned in military camps during World War II; and

   WHEREAS, The story of the treatment of Italian Americans during
World War II needs to be told in order to acknowledge that these
events happened, to remember those whose lives were unjustly
disrupted and whose freedoms were violated, to help repair the damage
to the Italian American community, and to discourage the occurrence
of similar injustices and violations of civil liberties in the
future; and
   WHEREAS, It is appropriate to recognize these events during
October, which is designated as Italian American Heritage Month; now,
therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the Legislature formally acknowledge that
the events of World War II represented a fundamental injustice
against Italian Americans, deeply regrets these acts, and reaffirms
its commitment to preserving the rights of all people and celebrating
their contributions; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.