Portola Middle School Proposed Name Change

I believe the proposed name change is a poor idea for the following reasons, in no particular order. 

1. Japanese Americans were not treated particularly badly during WWII. Though they often lost their property as a result of the internment, it was not purposefully harsh, and in no way compared to the way Americans in Japan and American prisoners of war were treated by the Japanese Empire.

2. The fact that Fred Korematsu survived and later flourished in our society despite his activities is to America's credit, not his.

3. Japanese espionage in Hawaii before, during, and after the attack on Pearl Harbor is a fact, and made the internment justifiable. Recall that invasion currency was printed in contemplation of an attack on our soil.

4. Japanese Americans are not a particularly neglected or abused minority in our society, compared to several other groups with very real grievances. Giving any one of them an inspirational name of a public building is a better idea.

5. The fact is that the current name honors one of these groups should be sufficient reason to leave it as it has been.

6. Members of the group honored by its current name could feel disrespected by this change.

7. Portola is a name with strong local historical roots.

8. It is also a part of the personal memories and identities of each student who has attended it.

9. Portola is easy to say and spell by the thousands of children and adults who will pass through the new school.