June 8, 2001
Contributed by CEO Message
How is Kamehameha responding?
KS is discussing this matter with appropriate officials at the US Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights and is assisting the DOE in gathering information regarding KS' admissions policy. Congress has repeatedly recognized the need to provide assistance to Native Hawaiians to remedy the effects of past deprivation and discrimination. Kamehameha's admissions policy seeks to attain similar objectives by giving a preference to Native Hawaiian applicants. The DOE has previously recognized that KS scholarship programs, which are also directed to Native Hawaiians, do not violate Title VI. We are confident that DOE will reach the same conclusion once it has completed its review of Kamehameha's admissions policy.
What can I do to help?
It is most gratifying to hear this sentiment expressed by staff, graduates and friends and we thank you for your concern. It is important for all supporters of Kamehameha Schools to remain vigilant and informed. And if there is an opportunity or a forum for you to share your thoughts in support of our organization, I encourage you to do so.
Who complained?
We do not know who filed the complaint. Typically, when a governmental agency, in this case the US Dept. of Education-Office of Civil Rights, brings a complaint, the name of the individual who initially raised the issue is not included in the initial documents filed. We may never know who took that action.
How can I see a copy of the complaint?
Kamehameha does not yet have the actual complaint. When KS does receive the complaint, and with our legal counsel's concurrence, it will be made available for review in some form ñ either electronically or via hard copy. We will send out a notice as this item is clarified.
What federal funding does Kamehameha receive?
Kamehameha Schools currently administers about $3 million in federal funding every year. These funds are used to support the following federal education initiatives:
Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program;
Native Hawaiian Higher Education Program;
Kamehameha Safe and Drug Free Schools, and
Kamehameha Talent Search.
In addition, a portion of this funding supports the USDA School Lunch program for eligible K-12 students enrolled at Kamehameha. Other federal funds support Kamehameha's JROTC program and school libraries. In virtually all cases, Kamehameha accepts these funds and the administrative responsibilities attached to the funds on behalf of the Hawaiian community. The funds do benefit Hawaiian families and students, Kamehameha is very capable of administering the funds efficiently, and the programs are highly consistent with Kamehameha's own mission, so we are not eager to refuse them.
We hope this would never be the case, but if the issue were ever to come down to choosing between the federal funds and preserving Kamehameha's admissions policy of giving preference to Hawaiian children, there would be no question: Ke Ali'i Pauahi's vision and intent must be preserved. Again, mahalo for your concern and support in this matter. We will keep you updated as this issue evolves.
I mua Kamehameha!
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
