Kamehameha Schools Under Fire as Legal Challenge to Admissions Policy Emerges

Tue Sep 30 2025 02:32:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A legal battle is brewing over Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy that gives preference to Native Hawaiian students, igniting debates about equity in education and the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions on affirmative action.

The Kamehameha Schools in Hawaii, renowned for offering preferred admissions to Native Hawaiian students, faces legal challenges aimed at eradicating this policy. Backed by conservative activists advocating for broader interpretations of racial discrimination in education, the case emerges following notable Supreme Court rulings against affirmative action. Supporters argue that the admissions policy plays a vital role in addressing historical inequalities faced by the Native Hawaiian community, while opponents insist it constitutes unfair discrimination against non-Native applicants.

HONOLULU (AP) — The Kamehameha Schools, recognized for prioritizing Native Hawaiian students in its admissions, is facing significant legal scrutiny as activists vow to challenge its policy. This initiative has arisen during a time when discussions about racial equity in education are at the forefront, especially following recent rulings against affirmative action by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Kapua Ong, a freshman at Kamehameha, reflects on the impact of the school's policy on her life and the unique opportunities it provides for Native Hawaiians. I do feel proud of myself for getting in because not everyone gets accepted, she shared, highlighting how her heritage and achievements, like fluency in Hawaiian and martial arts, influenced her acceptance.

The admission policy prioritizes Hawaii's Indigenous people but has sparked controversy, with legal challenges being mounted by groups such as Students for Fair Admissions, which has previously led campaigns against affirmative action in other educational institutions. They argue that the admissions process is effectively a barrier for non-Native applicants.

This debate over Kamehameha's policy is intensifying as some prominent figures, including conservative activists, rally for a broader interpretation of laws governing racial discrimination in education, emboldened by increased scrutiny of affirmative action policies across the nation.

Supporters of Kamehameha's approach argue that it addresses the structural inequities that have historically plagued the Native Hawaiian community, positioning this policy as a necessary corrective measure to counteract centuries of colonial disruption.

“I’m hoping they hire a good lawyer, build a good case,” said Andria Tupola, an alumna and local council member, who underscores the role of the school in fostering Hawaiian culture.

Founded by the will of Bernice Pauahi Bishop in 1884, Kamehameha Schools was designed to benefit Native Hawaiians, and many believe the institution continues to play a critical role in uplifting the community amidst struggles against economic hardships and educational disparities.

The current debate spotlights a larger national conversation regarding admissions policies that factor in race, with advocates emphasizing the importance of maintaining equitable opportunities for historically marginalized groups while opponents assert that such measures are discriminatory against other students.

As this legal battle unfolds, it calls into question the future of policies aimed at fostering diversity in American education and the balance of historical injustices against equal opportunity for all students.