Makana Eyre: We Deserve To Know Who’s Challenging Kamehameha Schools’ Policy
The ongoing legal battles over Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy have sparked a debate about transparency and the public's right to know who is challenging the policy. In this article, Eyre argues that the process should unfold with full transparency, especially given the potential consequences of a successful challenge.
Eyre begins by highlighting the recurring nature of these lawsuits and the familiar arguments presented by plaintiffs. He recalls his personal experiences with the topic, including discussions with his father and grandfather. Eyre emphasizes the impact of these legal challenges on the community's sense of stability and tradition in Hawaii.
The recent lawsuit filed by Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) against Kamehameha Schools is seen as an escalation. Eyre attributes this to the national political climate, which is more radical, polarized, and acute. The SFFA's victories against Harvard and the University of North Carolina's admissions policies have given them a strong platform. Eyre suggests that the lawsuit against Kamehameha Schools is more threatening and potentially consequential.
The article mentions the backlash faced by the plaintiffs, including death threats, and their request for anonymity. Eyre acknowledges the concerns of the plaintiffs but argues that the public's right to know who is challenging the policy outweighs the need for anonymity. He references a previous case where the U.S. District Court for Hawaii denied the plaintiffs' request for anonymity, citing the public's interest in open courts.
Eyre believes that the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision in 2010 supports the idea of transparency. He highlights the potential political implications, including the IRS's power to revoke Kamehameha Schools' tax-exempt status. Eyre concludes that openness is essential for a fair and transparent legal process, despite the challenges it may pose to the plaintiffs.
The article concludes by emphasizing the high stakes of the current legal battle and the importance of transparency in such matters.
