The University of Notre Dame has reversed course on appointing pro-abortion Professor Susan Ostermann as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, following intense backlash from U.S. bishops who defended the school’s Catholic mission.
Announced in January 2026, the decision sparked dismay from Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, who strongly opposed elevating someone who publicly supports abortion and links pro-life advocates to racism and misogyny. Archbishop Paul Coakley, USCCB president, echoed the concern, stating Ostermann “openly stands against Catholic teaching” on the sanctity of life. Other prelates, including Archbishops Samuel Aquila and Salvatore Cordileone, and Bishop Robert Barron, joined the call to rescind the appointment, emphasizing Notre Dame’s duty to uphold justice for the unborn.
Initially, the university defended Ostermann as an “exceptional scholar,” but the controversy escalated. Two professors disaffiliated from the institute, and former faculty like Christian Smith criticized Notre Dame’s “equivocal” commitment to its Catholic identity. The outcry highlighted the scandal of promoting views that contradict Church doctrine on life’s inviolability from conception.
On February 26, 2026, Dean Mary Gallagher announced Ostermann would not proceed, citing the need to prevent the controversy from overshadowing the institute’s work and to foster a community open to “a variety of voices.” Ostermann claimed more “work to do at Notre Dame” for diverse perspectives, but the withdrawal came under clear pressure.
This retreat validates the bishops’ vigilant defense of Catholic principles. Notre Dame’s initial embrace risked scandalizing the faithful and diluting its mission to promote life-affirming values. The outcome reaffirms that Catholic institutions must prioritize doctrinal fidelity over progressive ideologies that undermine the protection of innocent life.