Vol. 88, No. 48, June 22, 1979. 8 pages. View this issue
Senator S.I. Hayakawa’s call to repeal bilingual ballot requirements ran on the front page and again on page 5, where critics, including JACL’s Karl Nobuyuki, answered that his concerns were exaggerated. The same page one carried plans for the 1980 census, Washington State University’s approval in principle of an Asian American Studies minor, and James Isao Doi’s appointment as dean of the University of Washington’s College of Education. Commentary came from Clifford Uyeda, who urged each member to recruit one new member, and from Kori Nobuyuki, who wrote about the limits of Japanese American political influence.
On page 6, Harry Honda summarized the National JACL Board’s June 1-3 decisions, including a new membership dues structure, and reported on the first draft of constitutional revisions ahead of the 1980 San Francisco convention. Page 2 looked at Isamu Noguchi’s Dodge Fountain in Detroit and at a diploma mill in Japan, and page 7 noted jeweler John Sumida’s selection for the Smithsonian.
What’s in this issue
Community
- WSU Regents Approve Asian American Studies Program, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Washington State University board of regents approved in principle a proposed minor in Asian American Studies. The program awaits funding after the state eliminated its budget support.
- UW Names Dr. Doi Dean in College of Education, by P.C. Staff, page 1. James Isao Doi became the first Asian American to hold a full deanship at the University of Washington when appointed dean of the College of Education. His background includes posts at several major universities and his wartime incarceration at Rohwer.
- Wendy Yoshimura’s Conviction Upheld, by P.C. Staff, page 1. An appellate court upheld the conviction of artist Wendy Yoshimura on weapons charges, and she may face up to 15 years in prison. Supporters planned a community update meeting.
- Hawaii Trade Fair a Big Hit in Japan’s Department Stores, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Hawaii trade fair in Osaka drew over 700,000 visitors and sold millions in products. Sen. Daniel Inouye urged Japan to lower trade barriers.
- Diploma Mill Operating in Japan Connected With U.S., by P.C. Staff, page 2. A New Jersey-based group called International University, U.S.A. has conferred doctorates on about 100 Japanese and South Koreans for a fee. Officials are investigating forged certificates used in the scheme.
National
- Hayakawa Seeks Repeal of Bilingual Provisions in Voting, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sen. S.I. Hayakawa urged repeal of bilingual ballot requirements, arguing they are costly and contradict naturalization law. JACL’s Karl Nobuyuki dismissed his concerns about national unity.
- Addabbo Law Amendment Near Passage, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Mineta amendment restoring Asian Pacific Americans to minority business programs cleared a conference hurdle in Congress. The bill now goes to the House and Senate floors for final passage.
- 1980 Census Plans Thorough Coverage, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Census Bureau outlined plans for the 1980 count, including follow-up visits to nonresponding households and computer matching of records. Accurate counts matter because about 100 federal programs distribute funds based on census data.
Incarceration & Redress
- Noguchi Creations in Detroit Site of Summer Ethnic Fairs, by Wayne Oyafuso, page 2. Isamu Noguchi’s Dodge Fountain and plaza in Detroit now operate as intended after a dispute with city officials. The site hosts summer ethnic festivals including the Far Eastern Festival.
Commentary
- Joining JACL, by Clifford Uyeda, page 4. JACL president Clifford Uyeda explains why Japanese Americans should join the organization to secure justice and equal opportunity. He urges each member to recruit one new member.
- Political Realities for the Nisei, by Kori Nobuyuki, page 4. Nobuyuki argues that Japanese Americans overestimate their political influence and repeatedly react with shock only when discrimination occurs. He calls for sustained civic engagement and redress.
Military & Veterans
- Hayakawa Bilingual Ballot Criticism Draws Response, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Critics responded to Sen. Hayakawa’s push to end bilingual ballots, with CAA and JACL’s Karl Nobuyuki calling his concerns exaggerated. The article notes JACL has historically supported broader voting access.
JACL
- Brief Summary of 1979 National JACL Board Decisions, by Harry Honda, page 6. The National JACL Board’s June 1-3 meeting approved a borrowing measure, a Congressional Award endorsement, and a new membership dues structure. It also tabled a district funding motion and supported reversal of the Weber v. Kaiser Aluminum decision.
- Constitutional Revisions Noted, by Harry Honda, page 6. The JACL Constitutional Revision Committee released its first draft for chapter review ahead of the 1980 San Francisco convention. Recommendations include broadening the preamble and changing council voting rights.
Obituaries
- Sumida Named to Smithsonian Jewelry Collection, by P.C. Staff, page 7. San Jose jeweler John Sumida was selected to create a piece for the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent jewelry collection. His star cuff links use gemstones from the Smithsonian’s own collection.
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