Legal Challenge Targets Historic Admissions Policy
A recent federal lawsuit filed in Honolulu has put the spotlight on Kamehameha Schools, a prestigious private institution in Hawaii founded in 1887. The lawsuit, initiated by Students for Fair Admissions on October 21, challenges the school's long-standing admissions policy that gives preference to Native Hawaiian students. The group, led by Edward Blum, who previously spearheaded efforts against affirmative action in college admissions, argues that this policy constitutes 'blood-based discrimination' and violates federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in contracts.
The complaint asserts that the policy unfairly prioritizes applicants based on their ancestry, resulting in nearly all enrolled students being of Native Hawaiian descent. This legal action is part of a broader movement to expand the definition of racial discrimination in education, following a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in higher education. Kamehameha Schools, established by the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop to educate Native Hawaiian children, now finds its mission under scrutiny in an American courtroom.
Community Response and Historical Context
In response to the lawsuit, hundreds of supporters gathered at 'Iolani Palace on October 21, wearing blue and waving Hawaiian flags to rally in favor of Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy. Kuhio Lewis, head of the Hawaiian Council, expressed dismay at the challenge, stating, 'She could not have imagined that generations later her gift to her people would be questioned in an American courtroom.' This sentiment reflects a deep connection to the school's purpose of uplifting Native Hawaiian communities through education.
Critics of the lawsuit, including Moses Haia III, a lawyer and former director of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp., argue that the challenge stems from a lack of understanding of Hawaii's history. Haia remarked, 'Ultimately, what I see is these people being uneducated. Not knowing the history of Hawaii, not knowing the reasons for Kamehameha's existence, and just once again trying to push Hawaiians into this box... and wanting to be on top.' The school's mission is rooted in addressing historical disparities faced by Native Hawaiians, a context that supporters believe is critical to understanding its admissions practices.
Kamehameha Schools has vowed to fight for its policy, emphasizing its commitment to its founder's vision. The institution operates three campuses and educates thousands of Native Hawaiian children annually, serving as a cornerstone of cultural preservation and educational opportunity in the state.
Broader Implications in Education Policy
The lawsuit against Kamehameha Schools comes at a time of shifting legal landscapes regarding race-based policies in education. With Students for Fair Admissions at the forefront, this case could set a precedent for how private institutions address historical inequities through admissions criteria. Edward Blum has faced significant backlash, including death threats, over his efforts to dismantle the policy, highlighting the contentious nature of this issue.
As the legal battle unfolds, it raises questions about the balance between rectifying past injustices and adhering to modern interpretations of equality under the law. The outcome of this case may influence similar policies across the country, particularly those tied to cultural or historical reparative measures. For now, Kamehameha Schools stands as a symbol of Native Hawaiian resilience, with its community rallying to defend over a century of tradition against contemporary legal challenges.