Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy is part of restorative justice for an indigenous people whose culture, property and self-governance were nearly destroyed by 19th and 20th century colonialism. There is a critical difference between an affirmative action or diversity program and the efforts of a private institution to help an indigenous people almost wiped out by Western influence. The civil rights of Americans are not threatened with a program by Native Hawaiians designed to uplift their own people.

KHNL on Alum’s Reaction to Rosen Email

From a story on KHNL.com:

“Personally, I’m extremely outraged,” says alumnae Wendie Burbridge, who attended Kamehameha School from kindergarten through 12th grade. She is one of many alumni who are upset about this news. “Kamehameha Schools is only supposed to serve Hawaiian and part Hawaiian children. It doesn’t say ‘all!’”

Burbridge is trying to rally support. “Please go to the Hawaii Judiciary website and there is a way to voice your concerns about the attorneys,” she is telling fellow school mates. (See below.) “If you want to protect (founder Bernice) Pauahi’s will and the future of Kamehameha Schools for our children and grandchildren, please consider voicing your opinion to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Take the time to email them or send them a letter. Every action we take will only help our cause in the end. If we all start to speak out about the injustices that face Kamehameha and the Hawaiian community at large, perhaps we can make others rethink suing or becoming part of this lawsuit. Perhaps it will educate others who see Kamehameha only as a cash cow that they do not have rights in which to partake. If nothing else, do not be silent about this matter. We need to fight this like we have always done, with dignity and intelligence. Let’s beat these people at their own game. Let’s not allow them to take from us or our children.”

Report: Supreme Court Meets to Discuss Doe v. Kamehameha

TheHawaiiChannel.com reported April 27: “An official from the Kamehameha school district has confirmed that the U.S. Supreme Court justices have scheduled a private conference for Friday to determine whether they will examine a legal challenge against the schools’ Hawaiians-first admissions policy.

“If the case is accepted, it would be the first time the justices would have the matter on their docket. If they decide against taking the case, it would mean that a ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in favor of the admissions policy would stand. If the high court takes up the case, it could set the stage for one of the most significant court actions in years involving native Hawaiians.”