Rally held for unmarried, pregnant Maryknoll Middle School director who was let go
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
Students, former colleagues and peers of Michelle Gabriel gathered in support of the former Maryknoll middle school director who was let go in late January while she was eight months pregnant and unmarried. Pictured waving and holding signs along Punahou Street in support of Gabriel is Damien Enright (front) and Drew Cruz-Santos.
About two dozen Maryknoll School alumni, students and strangers lined up in front of Maryknoll High School today to show support for the unmarried, former director of the middle school who was let go in late January while she was 8 months pregnant.
Many of Michelle Gabriel’s classmates from Maryknoll’s graduating class of 1999 waived signs criticizing the school they love, saying Gabriel’s dismissal ran counter to the values they were taught — as dozens of drivers honked their horns in support.
Fellow Class of ‘99 grad Damien Enright grew up playing Little League baseball with Gabriel in Kailua. Enright waived a sign that read, “Fired 4 Being Pregnant.”
“This isn’t the Maryknoll I remember and loved,” Enright said.
Gabriel showed up later in the rally, but said she was not allowed to comment.
>> PHOTOS: Supporters rally for Michelle Gabriel
Maryknoll’s decision regarding Gabriel appears to be supported by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled unanimously in 2012 that federal discrimination laws do not apply to religious organizations in choosing their leaders.
In an emailed statement to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Fr. EJ Resinto — pastor, Sacred Heart Church & Maryknoll School and Maryknoll School Administration — said:
“We understand there are people who are upset over the departure of Ms. Gabriel. Ms. Gabriel chose to leave by agreement and was represented by counsel in making that decision. We remain grateful for her many years of service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Gabriel was still listed as the middle school director on Maryknoll’s website after today’s rally.
She graduated from Maryknoll in 1999, went on to play basketball and soccer at the University of Hawaii, then returned to Maryknoll where she worked for 16 years, including the last three as director of the middle school.
Gabriel disappeared from the campus in late January with little explanation why, according to several current students.
News of her departure quickly spread on Instagram, shocking the Maryknoll community and total strangers.
