Susan Ostermann withdrew from assuming the directorship of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies at the University of Notre Dame. The decision followed widespread condemnation of her appointment by students, university donors, and bishops. Ostermann is a researcher and professor at Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs and an outspoken abortion advocate. The Dean of the Keough School praised Ostermann's scholarship while announcing her decision not to move forward as director. Opposition to the appointment came from students, faculty, local Bishop Kevin Rhoades, trustees, and major benefactors.
8 days ago
University of Notre Dame announced Susan Ostermann as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies on January 8, 2026.1 2
Ostermann, a pro-abortion advocate, had written that abortion supports "integral human development" and criticized pro-life efforts as rooted in racism.1 2 3
Fort Wayne-South Bend Bishop Kevin Rhoades called the appointment a "scandal" on February 11, urging reversal due to its conflict with Catholic teaching.1 2 3 4
Over a dozen U.S. bishops, including Archbishops Samuel Aquila, Salvatore Cordileone, and USCCB President Paul Coakley, supported Rhoades and demanded rescission.3 5
Students, faculty, and donors protested; two Liu Institute affiliates resigned, and a student march was planned.1 2 3
On February 26, Dean Mary Gallagher emailed faculty that Ostermann "decided not to move forward," citing risks of overshadowing institute work.1 2 3 4
Ostermann remains faculty but stated Notre Dame needs to foster diverse voices.3 5
Sources revealed President Fr. Robert Dowd was "blindsided" by the appointment, approved by Provost John McGreevy, and held private talks with Bishop Rhoades.1 2
Dowd told bishops at a February 23 conference the university sought a "solution," reaffirming pro-life commitment.1
Critics questioned timing before a student protest and potential impact on McGreevy's reappointment.1
Bishop Rhoades praised the outcome as reaffirming Catholic fidelity.1
Pro-lifers view it as a first step, highlighting ongoing concerns about Notre Dame's Catholic mission and leadership accountability.1 2
Faculty and alumni demand scrutiny of how such an appointment occurred initially.1 3
Examine Catholic universities’ handling of faculty pro‑abortion appointments
Catholic universities, as institutions intrinsically linked to the Church's mission, must ensure that all faculty appointments uphold the inviolable dignity of human life from conception, rendering the hiring or retention of pro-abortion advocates incompatible with their identity. Church documents emphasize rigorous standards for teachers' doctrinal integrity, bishops' oversight, and the removal of those who undermine core teachings like the absolute prohibition of procured abortion.
Catholic universities exist to advance human culture, personal development, and the Church's teaching mission while integrating Catholic principles into all activities.
A Catholic University, as Catholic, informs and carries out its research, teaching, and all other activities with Catholic ideals, principles and attitudes. It is linked with the Church either by a formal, constitutive and statutory bond or by reason of an institutional commitment made by those responsible for it.
This identity must be publicly affirmed in mission statements and structures, ensuring Catholic teaching influences every aspect without compromising academic freedom bounded by truth and the common good. Bishops bear responsibility for safeguarding this identity against civil pressures.
University authorities must appoint teachers who excel in scientific competence, pedagogical skill, integrity of doctrine, and moral probity, with mechanisms to remove those deficient in these areas.
§1. The authority competent according to the statutes has the duty to make provision so that teachers are appointed in Catholic universities who besides their scientific and pedagogical qualifications are outstanding in integrity of doctrine and probity of life and that they are removed from their function when they lack these requirements.
All teachers—Catholic or not—must promote or at least respect this identity. Catholic theologians, in particular, fulfill a Church mandate to adhere to the Magisterium. Non-Catholic faculty cannot form a majority to prevent dilution of Catholic character. At appointment, all are informed of these obligations.
Procured abortion is a grave moral evil, unchangeable since the early Church, entailing excommunication for formal cooperation.
Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion... is gravely contrary to the moral law.
Abortion (that is, the directly intended termination of pregnancy before viability...) is never permitted.
Historical consensus—from Church Fathers, councils, popes like Sixtus V and Innocent XI, to Vatican II—rejects any leniency, even pre-"animation." Public advocacy for abortion contradicts this, fostering scandal and undermining human dignity.
Appointing faculty who publicly support abortion violates canons requiring doctrinal fidelity, as it promotes views "gravely contrary to the moral law" in teaching and research. Such hires endanger Catholic identity, signaling tolerance for violence against the innocent and eroding the "bond of human communion."
Catholic health care directives explicitly bar association with abortion providers due to scandal, a principle extending to universities. Testimonies decry abortion's societal harm, urging legal and institutional opposition. Universities must prioritize life protection as foundational to the common good.
| Key Prohibition | Rationale from Doctrine | Application to Faculty |
|---|---|---|
| Direct abortion never permitted | Inviolable right to life from conception | Cannot teach or research in support |
| Integrity of doctrine required | Fidelity to Magisterium | Pro-abortion views lack "integrity" |
| Avoid scandal | Protects Catholic identity | Public advocates create scandal |
Failure to remove such faculty breaches statutory duties, as bishops must vigilantly ensure observance.
Bishops promote universities' Catholic identity through dialogue and intervention, even without direct governance. Conferences of bishops watch over doctrine in these institutions. The Church's right to erect and direct universities implies authority to enforce standards.
In practice, this means rejecting or terminating pro-abortion appointments to preserve unity with the Magisterium.
Catholic universities must handle pro-abortion faculty appointments by strictly adhering to doctrinal integrity, appointing only those aligned with the Church's unchangeable opposition to abortion and removing dissenters to avoid scandal. Bishops' vigilant oversight ensures fidelity, prioritizing life's dignity over academic expediency. This safeguards the institution's mission amid cultural challenges.