Kamehameha Schools: A Legacy Under Threat

Tue Oct 21 2025 02:14:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Kamehameha Schools in Hawaii, founded for Native Hawaiians, faces legal challenges over its admissions policy that gives preference to Indigenous students. The fight raises questions about equality, opportunity, and education.

Kamehameha Schools, known for prioritizing Native Hawaiian students, is under scrutiny as a campaign aims to challenge its admissions policy in court. Critics argue that the policy is discriminatory, sparking debates about race and education in America. The school, with a massive endowment and prestigious reputation, aims to provide educational opportunities to a community facing disparities. Supporters are rallying to defend its historic mission against rising legal threats.

After water polo practice at Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, 14-year-old Kapua Ong reflects on her unique educational opportunity to attend this prestigious school, which prioritizes Native Hawaiian students. Not everyone gets accepted, she acknowledges, expressing gratitude for her place at such a respected institution.

Kamehameha Schools was established under the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in 1884, aiming to educate Native Hawaiian children and preserve their culture. However, a new legal challenge is threatening this tradition. Led by Edward Blum, a prominent critic of affirmative action, there are efforts underway to contest the school's admissions policy, deemed discriminatory by opponents. According to critics, non-Native Hawaiian students find it nearly impossible to gain admission.

Supporters of Kamehameha are vocal in their defense, pointing out the historical context of the policy—rooted in remedying the educational disadvantages faced by Native Hawaiians due to colonization and socioeconomic disparities. Alumni and community leaders urge the school to fight for its mission, reminding everyone of the school's value in fostering a culturally rich environment.

Kamehameha Schools has a strong endowment exceeding $15 billion, more than most universities. Each year, applications surpass available spaces significantly, indicating ongoing demand and value placed on this unique educational institution.

As the debate continues, the efforts to challenge Kamehameha's admissions policy raise pressing questions around equity, identity, and the future of Native Hawaiian education.