Debate Heats Up Over Admissions Policy at Kamehameha Schools

Wed Sep 17 2025 22:36:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Kamehameha Schools faces legal challenges over its admissions policy, which prioritizes Native Hawaiian students. While advocates argue it's crucial for preserving Hawaiian culture, opponents call it discriminatory.

Kamehameha Schools, which provides educational opportunities for Native Hawaiians, is under scrutiny as a campaign seeks to challenge its admissions policy in court. Critics argue that the policy limits access for non-Hawaiian students, while supporters believe it helps remedy historical disparities and preserves cultural identity. The legal battle comes amid a growing movement against race-conscious admissions policies across the United States.

HONOLULU (FluxDaily) — After water polo practice at her school overlooking Honolulu Harbor, Kapua Ong reflects on her pride in being accepted to Kamehameha Schools. At just 14, this freshman acknowledges the privileges of attending a competitive institution that prioritizes Native Hawaiian students. I do feel proud of myself for getting in because not everyone gets accepted, she said.

Kapua's journey to Kamehameha was shaped by the foundational work of her parents, who documented her Native Hawaiian ancestry early on. Along with an admissions test, her unique skills, including kung fu and fluency in Hawaiian, played a role in her acceptance at the school that has an endowment of over $15 billion.

Currently, a debate brews over Kamehameha's admission practices, which provide preference to Native Hawaiians. A legal campaign is underway to investigate whether this policy constitutes unlawful racial discrimination in education, spearheaded by the conservative organization Students for Fair Admissions, led by Edward Blum. In light of recent Supreme Court rulings that challenge affirmative action, this movement calls into question the legality of policies like Kamehameha’s.

Supporters of Kamehameha argue that its policy is essential for addressing systemic inequalities faced by the Native Hawaiian community while offering avenues for high-quality education. The school's substantial resources facilitate a broad array of educational programs and cultural enrichment moments, such as an annual Hawaiian song contest that resonates throughout the island community.

As the situation unfolds, former students and local leaders urge Kamehameha to defend its policy vigorously against the challenge, asserting that it is not merely a racial quota system but a means of preserving the heritage and values of Hawaii.

In past years, the institution has faced legal hurdles regarding its admissions. A pivotal 2005 ruling raised similar challenges but ultimately reaffirmed the school’s practices; however, opponents argue that the current climate is markedly different. Whether Kamehameha can sustain its identity and mission amidst scrutiny remains to be seen.

The implications of this legal battle extend beyond educational policy to touch on broader themes of identity, culture, and racial equity, making Kamehameha Schools a focal point in the ongoing discussion about the place of affirmative action in America.