Should Kamehameha Schools change their admissions policy? /CREATIVE COMMONS

I believe that Kamehameha Schools should continue to prioritize admission to native Hawaiian children because doing so aligns with and fulfills the original mission set forth by Princess Pauahi Bishop, the schools founder. In a digest created by the Civil Beat, titled “Defending Kamehameha schools is about more than admissions”It states, “Kamehameha schools was founded by princess Puaahi bishop to restore what was taken and ensure that native hawaiian keiki could be educated, empowered and equipped to lead their people forward.” Princess Bernice Pauahi bishop dedicated her life to improving the overall well being, education and future prospects of native Hawaiians, especially during a time when their social, economic, and cultural foundations are under a significant threat. Her explicit intent was to establish an institution that would serve as a beacon of hope and support for her people, ensuring that future generations of native Hawaiians would have access to quality education and cultural preservation. Continuing the school's current admission policy is a way to honor her legacy and to ensure that her mission is carried forward in a meaningful and authentic manner. It guarantees that the school remains true to its founding principles, staying rooted in its original purpose of uplifting and empowering native Hawaiians who still face disparities in educational access and social opportunities. 

Moreover, Kamehameha schools pay a crucial role in the preservation and revitalization of Hawaiian culture, which has faced centuries of suppression and marginalization. The school is not merely an educational institution but also a cultural sanctuary that actively teaches and promotes Hawaiian language, arts, traditions, values and history. These cultural components are vital for the survival and continuity of Hawaiian identity, especially as the native population seeks to reconnect with its roots amidst a rapidly changing world. Quoted from Kamehameha student Railah Kalilikane, “ I stand by the current admission policies because I want it to ensure that children of my same experience and descent are assured the same opportunities and education that I was given.” By continuing to prioritize native Hawaiian students in admissions, the school ensures that those who are most connected to and most in need of cultural enlightenment and preservation are given the opportunity to learn and carry forward their heritage. This focus helps foster a sense of identity, pride, and resilience among native Hawaiian youth, empowering them to become ambassadors of their culture and protectors of their traditions for generations to come. The school’s emphasis on cultural education and preservation is an essential part of its mission, and maintaining its admission policies ensures that these efforts are effectively sustained.

It is also important to recognize that the current policy is both justified and legal under U.S law. The policy is not intended to create exclusion or discrimination against other ethnic groups but rather to address and remedy historical injustice faced by native Hawaiians. Historically, native Hawaiians endured significant social, political, and economic marginalization due to colonization and the suppression of their culture, language, and rights. In response, private institutions like kamehameha schools have been upheld by courts as legitimate entities that can implement admission policies aimed at serving specific communities. U.S courts  have consistently upheld the legality of such policies, especially when they serve as means of remedying past discrimination and promoting diversity within a culturally specific context. The policy is narrowly tailored, designed specifically to provide space for indigenous Hawaiian children, and does not unjustly discriminate against other ethnic groups. It is a lawful and just approach that aligns with broader efforts to uphold civil rights and promote educational equity for marginalized populations. 

To conclude my statement, the constitution of kamehameha schools policy favoring native Hawaiian children is rooted in deep respect for princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop's original vision, the essential need to preserve and promote Hawaiian culture and recognition of legal and moral justification for such targeted admission policies. This approach helps ensure that the school remains a true reflection of its founding principles, a guardian of Hawaiian heritage, and a beacon of hope for native Hawaiian youth seeking a better future. Preserving the policy not only honors history but also actively contributes to the ongoing revitalization and resilience of Hawaiian Identity, making it a vital component of the schools mission and purpose for generations to come.