#United States #Hawaii #SFFA #Kamehameha Schools #race-based admissions

Overview

On October 20, 2025, Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting fair admissions practices, filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii. The lawsuit targets the Trustees of the Estate of Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who operate Kamehameha Schools, challenging the institution's race-based admissions policy. The legal action asserts that the current admissions framework is discriminatory and violates the Civil Rights Act, specifically under 42 U.S.C. § 1981.

Allegations Against Kamehameha Schools

The key allegation made by SFFA is that Kamehameha Schools operates a racially exclusive admissions practice that unlawfully favors applicants with Native Hawaiian ancestry. According to the group, the admissions policies are structured to prioritize applicants based on their heritage, admitting Native Hawaiian students first and only considering non-Native Hawaiian applicants if spots are available. This practice creates what SFFA describes as a "categorical racial bar" to admission for students who do not have Native Hawaiian ties, effectively maintaining a system of exclusion.

The complaint relies heavily on established Supreme Court precedents that affirm the need for non-discriminatory practices in school admissions. It references the 2000 case of Rice v. Cayetano, which outlined that classifications based on Native Hawaiian ancestry are inherently racial. Moreover, since Kamehameha Schools involves contracts during application and enrollment, SFFA contends that the institution engages in race-based discrimination in contracting, which contravenes § 1981.

Support for Kamehameha's Mission

Despite pursuing legal action, SFFA emphasizes that it holds no opposition to Kamehameha Schools' mission. The organization acknowledges the school’s efforts to support Hawaiian culture and education. Edward Blum, the president of SFFA, stated that preserving the unique educational atmosphere of Kamehameha Schools is commendable, yet he insists that this goal can be achieved while adhering to lawful admissions practices. "Kamehameha can keep its mission, its culture, and its curriculum but it cannot bar children because of their race," he emphasizes.

Legal Implications

The lawsuit is significant not only for Kamehameha Schools but also for the broader educational landscape in the United States. If the court rules in favor of SFFA, it could lead to important changes in how private institutions structure their admissions policies, particularly those that currently favor specific racial or ethnic groups. Many legal experts believe that the case will attract national attention, as it embodies ongoing debates regarding race, equity, and educational access in America.

The Future of Kamehameha Schools

Moving forward, the controversy surrounding Kamehameha Schools may ignite a larger discussion on the balance between cultural preservation and fair admissions. The school has long been viewed as a bastion of education for Native Hawaiian children, but the challenge to its admissions policies could potentially reshape its approach. SFFA argues that Kamehameha can continue to thrive and remain true to its roots while ensuring an admissions process that is inclusive and equitable for all children.

In conclusion, as this legal battle unfolds, both Kamehameha Schools and SFFA may find themselves at the forefront of national conversations about race, education, and the rights of students in the pursuit of a fair and just admissions process.