A controversial leadership appointment at the University of Notre Dame has come to an abrupt halt after strong objections from the local bishop and several prominent U.S. prelates.
Professor Susan Ostermann will no longer assume the role of director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. According to LifeSiteNews, The Observer reported, Ostermann “has decided not to move forward as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies,” a decision announced in an email by Mary Gallagher, dean of the Keough School.
The reversal followed growing criticism over Ostermann’s public advocacy for abortion rights. The student newspaper reported that “the decision came after mounting criticism for Ostermann’s abortion rights advocacy,” according to its post on X.
Our Important Lenten Message – Please Watch
In her own statement, Ostermann said, “At present, the focus on my appointment risks overshadowing the vital work the Institute performs, which should be allowed to continue without undue distraction.”
The controversy began earlier this month when Bishop Kevin Rhoades formally objected to the appointment. As shepherd of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, which includes Notre Dame, he expressed “dismay” and “strong opposition” to the decision, warning that it was “causing scandal to the faithful of our diocese and beyond,” according to LifeSiteNews.
The bishop also raised concerns about the broader implications for the university’s Catholic identity. “Such appointments have profound impact on the integrity of Notre Dame’s public witness as a Catholic university,” he wrote.
Referring to Ostermann’s past writings, Bishop Rhoades stated, “In nearly a dozen op-eds … Professor Ostermann has attacked the pro-life movement, using outrageous rhetoric.” He added that her “opposite view thus clearly should disqualify her from holding a position of leadership within the Keough School,” according to the report.
The bishop’s stance received backing from several other American bishops, including Archbishop Paul Coakley, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Archbishop Samuel Aquila, Bishop Robert Barron, Bishop Thomas Proprocki, and Bishop Donald Hying, among others.
In a public display of prayerful protest, Bishop Rhoades led dozens of faithful in praying the Rosary at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto on campus before celebrating Holy Mass at Sacred Heart Basilica, according to LifeSiteNews. During the Rosary, he reportedly knelt alongside students Luke Woodyard and Gabriel Ortner, who had been organizing a campus march in opposition to the appointment.
It remains uncertain whether that planned march will proceed in light of the professor’s decision to step aside.
The episode has once again raised pressing questions about Catholic identity at institutions that bear the Church’s name. For many faithful Catholics, the situation underscores the responsibility of Catholic universities to ensure that those placed in positions of leadership reflect the moral and doctrinal commitments of the Church they represent.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
