Bill Overview
Title: Japanese American World War II History Network Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of the Interior to establish the Japanese American World War II History Network within the National Park Service. In carrying out the network, Interior shall review studies and reports to complement and not duplicate studies of Japanese American World War II history and Japanese American experiences during World War II, including studies related to relocation centers and confinement sites; and produce and disseminate appropriate educational materials, such as handbooks, maps, interpretive guides, or electronic information relating to Japanese American World War II history and Japanese American experiences during that war.
Sponsors: Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-8]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in Japanese American and WWII history
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The bill focuses on Japanese American history during World War II, meaning it directly pertains to Japanese Americans and their historical experiences.
- Many individuals with a heritage or connection to Japanese American communities might have an interest in this historical documentation and educational materials.
- People interested in historical education, particularly World War II and civil rights history, will benefit from this establishment as it provides educational material.
- Historians and educators would be directly impacted by the availability of these materials for teaching and research purposes.
- Libraries and educational institutions might incorporate these materials into their collections.
Reasoning
- The Japanese American World War II History Network Act specifically targets historical documentation and educational outreach about Japanese American experiences during World War II.
- The policy's impact will most directly affect Japanese American communities, educators, historians, and those interested in WWII and civil rights history.
- By focusing on educational materials, the policy may indirectly influence perceptions of civil rights and historical awareness among broader audiences, including students and general museum-goers.
- Given the budget constraints, the impact of this policy will likely be limited to educational and institutional enhancements rather than significant societal transformation.
- While the primary audience is Japanese Americans and those interested in history, museums and educational institutions across the United States will also integrate these materials into their programming.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Teacher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm thrilled to see more comprehensive resources on Japanese American history becoming available.
- This policy will ensure that younger generations understand the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Historian (Seattle, WA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more resources will greatly aid my research and help bring to light less-known stories from the war.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Graduate Student (New York, NY)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will provide valuable materials for my thesis on the impact of internment camps on Japanese American communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
History Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 56 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm interested in how this can enhance my curriculum and possibly engage students more in learning about civil rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Community Leader (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative helps preserve a critical part of my culture's history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Library Archivist (Boston, MA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial to have more specialized materials for archival purposes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
University Professor (Denver, CO)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This aligns well with my research and personal interests in minority rights during WWII.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
High School Student (Houston, TX)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing more about Japanese Americans' role in WWII will help with my studies and personal understanding of history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Museum Director (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to these materials will enhance our exhibitions and bring a richer narrative to our visitors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cultural Historian (Honolulu, HI)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's about time more attention is given to these stories as they form a significant part of our history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Key Considerations
- The network supports the preservation and dissemination of critical historical knowledge, with a focus on educating the public and enhancing historical appreciation.
- Given its cultural and educational significance, the cost should be viewed within the context of societal value rather than just fiscal impact.
- Long-term maintenance and updates of digital and physical resources will be necessary to ensure ongoing relevance.