VANCOUVER – The University of B.C. is taking steps to correct an historic wrong committed at the height of the Second World War against more than 70 students.
The UBC senate has voted to award special degrees to students who could not complete their studies because of the Canadian policy of internment.
An estimated 76 students whose studies were disrupted will be awarded the degrees next spring as the university marks the 70th anniversary of the internment policy.
A spokeswoman for the UBC Senate Tributes Committee says the university wanted to find meaningful ways to provide solemn recognition of historical events.
As well as granting the degrees, UBC will develop ways to educate future students about internment, and the UBC Library will preserve the historical record in its possession.
Unfounded fears of espionage prompted the federal government to strip as many as 22,000 Japanese Canadians of their rights and property, and order them held in remote camps following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941.
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