Anti-Affirmative Action Group Sues Kamehameha Schools Over Native Hawaiian Preference

An anti-affirmative action group, Students for Fair Admissions, filed a lawsuit yesterday against Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, challenging its admissions policy that prioritizes Native Hawaiian students.

The lawsuit, filed in Federal District Court, is brought on behalf of two families – identified as “Family A” and “Family B” – who wish to enroll their children at the school but are not of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Students for Fair Admissions gained prominence after successfully challenging affirmative action policies at several mainland universities. The suit alleges the Kamehameha policy violates the rights of non-Hawaiian applicants and does not adequately address educational disparities. This case arrives amid ongoing national debate about diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.

Kamehameha Schools trustees and CEO Jack Wong released a statement vowing to vigorously defend the policy, stating, “The facts and the law are on our side, and we are confident that we will prevail.” The school, established in the late 19th century through the estate of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, has successfully defended its admissions policy in previous legal challenges, including a near win in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. However, the founder of Students for Fair Admissions, Ed Blum, has reportedly received death threats since announcing the lawsuit, with excerpts included in the court filing. You can learn more about the history of Kamehameha Schools here.

Educational disparities between Native Hawaiian and other students in Hawaiʻi persist, with lower proficiency rates in reading and math, and higher rates of chronic absenteeism, according to recent state data. The lawsuit’s outcome could have significant implications for other institutions with similar policies designed to support Indigenous communities. Officials stated they are preparing for a potentially lengthy legal battle.