HONOLULU (AP) — After water polo practice at her school overlooking Honolulu Harbor, 14-year-old Kapua Ong reflects on her pride in being accepted to Kamehameha Schools, a competitive private institution that prioritizes Native Hawaiians. I feel proud of myself for getting in because not everyone gets accepted, she shares, attributing her acceptance partly to her family's efforts in documenting their Hawaiian ancestry.
This preference for Native Hawaiians is set against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny and a legal campaign challenging the school's admissions policy. Led by Students for Fair Admissions, the challenge aims to test the policy's legality, particularly in the wake of a pivotal Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions.
Underlying this battle is a broader movement against educational programs that cater specifically to racial or ethnic groups—campaigners argue that such practices constitute a form of discrimination. The push has been bolstered by political movements and rulings challenging diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the educational landscape.
With Kamehameha Schools holding an endowment valued at over $15 billion, alumni and community leaders are advocating for the school to defend its admissions policy vigorously, arguing it is crucial for addressing long-standing disparities faced by the Native Hawaiian population.
I’m hoping they hire a good lawyer, build a strong case, said Andria Tupola, a council member and Kamehameha alumna, underlining the school's role in fostering connections to Hawaiian culture.
The case is further complicated by legal precedents allowing certain racial preferences for Indigenous groups, which Kamehameha may leverage to defend its policy during potential litigation. Nevertheless, the legal landscape is shifting, and the outcome could have substantial implications for schools nationwide that share similar admissions policies.
Stemming from a will left by Hawaiian princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, Kamehameha Schools was established to provide educational opportunities for Native Hawaiians as a means of remedying the impacts of colonization and cultural erasure. Today, with space in great demand, the school sees application numbers exceeding available spots by as much as 17 to 1.
The admission policy has faced challenges before, notably drawing a significant public outcry but having been upheld by courts in previous rulings. Opponents of the current challenge argue that the existing policy is crucial for ensuring that Native Hawaiian children, who often face socioeconomic disadvantages, receive quality education and support.
In an increasingly polarized climate surrounding issues of race, access to education, and equity, the fate of Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy may set a precedent impacting educational institutions nationwide. As this unique struggle unfolds, it highlights the complex intersection of heritage, educational access, and the ongoing debate surrounding racial equality in America.
