Virginia-based group calls Kamehameha Schools’ admission policy ‘neither fair nor legal’

HONOLULU (KHON2) — A national group based in Arlington, Virginia challenged the admissions policy at Kamehameha Schools on Sept. 4.

Students for Fair Admissions said they want to end the school’s “unlawful” admissions policy that gives preference to applicants with Native Hawaiian ancestry.

“Kamehameha Schools’ policy represents the same problem we saw at Harvard and UNC —admissions systems that elevate ancestry over individual merit,” said Edward Blum, president of Students for Fair Admissions. “We believe this violates our nation’s civil rights laws and principles.”

The group created a website where those who were denied admission or “feel discouraged from even applying” to Kamehameha Schools can provide comments. They said the information will be used to build a legal case.

“Kamehameha Schools has an outstanding reputation for academic excellence. But its admissions policy is rooted in ancestry discrimination,” said a statement on the website. “It is virtually impossible for a non-Native Hawaiian child to be admitted, regardless of merit or need. That is neither fair nor legal, and SFFA is committed to challenging this policy in court.”

Kamehameha Schools said it’s prepared to defend its almost 140-year-old policy and is confident that it aligns with the law.

“We want to assure you that our kula and operational leaders are prepared and committed to vigorously defending the vision of Ke Aliʻi Pauahi,” said CEO Jack Wong and the Board of Trustees of Kamehameha Schools in a joint statement.

This isn’t the first time the school has faced a legal challenge on their admissions policy.

The policy was challenged before for illegal discrimination after a non-Native Hawaiian applied, was waitlisted, then denied admission.

In 2006, during Doe v. Kamehameha Schools, a majority ruled the policy did not illegally discriminate against non-Native Hawaiians.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs said they stand with the school, calling the campaign “not only a direct affront to the will and legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, but also an attack on the right of Native Hawaiians to care for our own, on our own terms.”