The debate around Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy is intensifying as community members and leaders rally to defend the school's preference for Native Hawaiian students. A mainland group, Students for Fair Admissions, is challenging the policy, claiming it to be discriminatory against non-Hawaiians. They assert on their website that "focus on ancestry, rather than merit or need, is neither fair nor legal," and they aim to take their battle to court, as reported by KHON.
Amidst the contention, Kamehameha Schools' supporters convened at the Hawai’i State Capitol last Friday. One alumna, Kau’i Keola, expressed her frustration to KHON, saying, "The first reaction was anger, and the thought of... here we go again." She further highlighted the institution's private nature and its financial independence from federal money. Similarly, Jacob Aki, according to KHON, criticized the challenge, pointing out that "if you really knew our history, you would understand that the illegal overthrow of our kingdom, that was unfair. The attempts to erase our identity and our language, that was unfair."
The outrage is echoed by Senator Kurt Fevella, who played an organizational role in the rally, communicating that taking away the school's unique admissions would desecrate the Queen's legacy and transform Kamehameha Schools into just another private institution. "You don’t see anywhere in the country that we dishonor anybody’s legacy. Only in Hawai’i," stated Fevella in an impassioned tone, as per a report by KHON.
On their behalf, Kamehameha Schools issued a statement appreciating the unity of their community and affirming the commitment to uphold Ke Ali’i Pauahi’s will, which they believe is right and proper. Part of the anxiety stems from the organization's profound role in the Hawaiian community, not merely within educational sectors, but also for environmental stewardship, and cultural programs. Jenna Oda, a Kamehameha graduate, mentioned to KITV, "Kamehameha Schools is just a small part of our community," emphasizing that its loss could have a detrimental effect on Native Hawaiian rights overall.
Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, chair of the Native Hawaiian Caucus, underscored the historical context of the institution, reflecting on the assumption that the Native Hawaiian population might vanish. He credits the thriving Hawaiian community to the initiatives and legacy of Kamehameha Schools' trust. The collective sentiment is one of defending cultural preservation, with Hawaiian Civic Club leader Jacob Aki urging that this is a right to self-determination Hawaiians are not willing to lose.
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