State Apologizes for History of Injustice
(SACRAMENTO)— Today, the California State Assembly passed ACR 74, Assemblymember Luis A. Alejo’s (D-Salinas) landmark resolution apologizing for nearly 100 years of discrimination toward Filipinos and Filipino Americans.
Sharply repudiating the shameful treatment Filipinos received, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s, ACR 74 details numerous governmental policies and laws that targeted Filipino Americans. During this period, school segregation and anti-miscegenation laws were the norm, as were tight quotas on Filipino immigration, even though the Philippines was under the sovereignty of the United States until the end of World War II.
Locally, tensions boiled over and led to the “Watsonville anti-Filipino riots” of 1930, which resulted in the death of Filipino laborer Fermin Tobera. The riots soon spread to other cities including Salinas, San Jose, San Francisco, and Stockton.
This resolution marks the first time California has expressly apologized to Filipino Americans for the violations of their civil liberties and constitutional rights.
“Filipino Americans have a proud history of hard work and perseverance. California, however, does not have as proud a history regarding its treatment of Filipino Americans,” said Asm. Alejo. “For these past injustices, it’s time that we recognize the pain and suffering this community has endured.”
The resolution next heads to the Senate for a full vote.
The full text of ACR 74 can be found at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0051-0100/acr_74_bill_20110816_amended_asm_v98.html.
Luis Alejo represents the 28th District in the California State Assembly, which consists of San Benito County, the Salinas Valley, North Monterey County, South Santa Clara County and the city of Watsonville.
Contact: Sasha Horwitz, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (916) 319-2028
