Taft College Announces Visit to Manzanar National Historic Site

Located at 5001 Highway 395 in Independence, California, Manzanar is one of ten camps where more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed and incarcerated under Executive Order 9066 during World War II. Today, the site serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of civil rights violations and the importance of preserving justice and equality for all.Laura Elenes, Student Journalist

Taft College will host an educational visit to Manzanar National Historic Site on April 17, 2026. The event is designed to educate students about the incarceration of persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting constitutional rights.

Located at 5001 Highway 395 in Independence, California, Manzanar is one of ten camps where more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed and incarcerated under Executive Order 9066 during World War II. Today, the site serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of civil rights violations and the importance of preserving justice and equality for all.

The April 17 visit aims to provide students with an opportunity to engage directly with history, reflect on the impact of wartime policies, and connect past injustices to the continuing struggle of all peoples when constitutional rights are threatened. Through guided exploration and educational programming, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the resilience of the Japanese American community and the ongoing importance of civic responsibility.

Connection to Ethnic Studies:

  • Systematic racism
  • The impact of wartime on minority communities
  • The resilience and activism of Japanese Americans

This event reflects Taft College’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, historical awareness, and meaningful dialogue about civil liberties and social justice.

“The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Association will be organizing a field trip to the Manzanar Relocation Center on Friday, April 17. As current discussions around immigration, relocation, and deportation under ICE authority continue nationwide, this visit seeks to provide a historical perspective by reflecting on the experiences with people of Japanese descent during World War II.” — Dr. Kenneth Smith