Protecting a Legacy: Kamehameha Schools Stands Firm on Native Hawaiian Admissions

Kamehameha Schools, a beacon of hope and education for Native Hawaiians, is once again standing on the front lines, resolutely vowing to protect its cherished admissions policy. This policy, which prioritizes students of Native Hawaiian ancestry, is not merely a preference; it is the very bedrock of the institution, a living testament to the will of its visionary founder, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

The latest challenge comes from Roger Clegg, a prominent conservative strategist associated with the Center for Equal Opportunity.

Clegg and his organization contend that Kamehameha's policy is discriminatory, echoing arguments that have been decisively rejected by courts in the past. Yet, the Schools remain unwavering, viewing this renewed pressure not as a threat to be feared, but as a critical moment to reaffirm its foundational mission: to uplift and empower a people who faced — and continue to navigate — immense historical injustices.

For Kamehameha Schools, this isn't just about legal technicalities; it's about cultural survival and historical rectification.

Princess Pauahi, the last direct descendant of King Kamehameha I, witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of Western contact on her people. Diseases, land dispossession, and the erosion of cultural practices decimated the Native Hawaiian population. Her 1883 will established the Schools to address this crisis, providing education and opportunities specifically for Native Hawaiian children, a form of proactive, self-determined reparation long before the term became widely understood.

The Schools' resolve is buttressed by a significant legal victory in 2007.

In the landmark case of Doe v. Kamehameha Schools, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unequivocally upheld the school's admissions policy. The court recognized the unique historical context and the legitimate, charitable purpose behind Princess Pauahi’s endowment, affirming that the policy serves a distinct and vital educational mission rather than fostering discrimination.

However, the current political climate and a shifting landscape in legal thought mean that institutions dedicated to diversity and equity must remain vigilant.

Clegg's renewed focus on Kamehameha Schools signals a broader, ongoing ideological battle against policies designed to address systemic inequalities. The Schools understand that their defense is not just for their own students, but for the principle of self-determination and cultural preservation across indigenous communities.

As Kamehameha Schools prepares to potentially face this new wave of legal scrutiny, its commitment to its students, its founder's legacy, and the Native Hawaiian community remains absolute.

They stand ready to champion their right to educate and uplift, ensuring that Princess Pauahi's vision continues to shine brightly for generations to come, fostering leaders who will contribute meaningfully to Hawaii and the world.