Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds Appointment of Abortion Rights Advocate at Notre Dame
2/12/2026, 7:02:30 AM
Bishop Rhoades Criticizes Appointment
Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has publicly condemned the University of Notre Dame's decision to appoint Associate Professor Susan Ostermann as the director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, effective July 1, 2026. Rhoades described the appointment as a "scandal to the faithful," citing Ostermann's extensive advocacy for abortion rights and her critical remarks about the pro-life movement. He expressed his dismay in a statement published on February 11, 2023, emphasizing that her views contradict the core principles of justice central to Notre Dame's Catholic identity.
Ostermann's Advocacy and Controversial Statements
Ostermann, who joined Notre Dame in 2017, has co-authored several op-eds that support abortion rights. In a 2022 article in the Chicago Tribune, she and former Notre Dame professor Tamara Kay argued that "almost 90% of abortions occur during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy when there are no babies or fetuses." They also claimed that criminalizing abortion leads to negative health outcomes for women. Rhoades criticized Ostermann's rhetoric, which he described as outrageous, including her assertion that the pro-life movement is rooted in white supremacy and misogyny.
University Response and Faculty Reactions
In response to the backlash, Notre Dame defended Ostermann's qualifications, stating that she is a "highly regarded political scientist and legal scholar" whose expertise aligns with the university's mission. The university reiterated its commitment to upholding the dignity of human life at every stage. However, the appointment has led to resignations from at least two faculty members at the Liu Institute, who cited their inability to associate with an advocate for abortion rights.
Criticism from the Catholic Community
Bishop Rhoades' statement has garnered support from other prominent figures, including Bishop Robert Barron, who praised Rhoades' position. Rhoades urged Notre Dame's leadership to reconsider the appointment, highlighting the confusion it creates regarding the university's fidelity to its Catholic mission. He called for prayer and reflection, particularly invoking the Virgin Mary, to guide the university back to its commitment to the Gospel of Life.
Conflicting Perspectives and Broader Implications
The controversy underscores a broader debate within Catholic institutions regarding the balance between academic freedom and adherence to Catholic teachings. Rhoades emphasized that while academic freedom allows faculty to conduct research, leadership appointments should reflect the university's Catholic identity. He expressed hope that Ostermann would retract her statements and align her views with the Church's teachings on the sanctity of life.
What's Next for Notre Dame?
As the appointment is set to take effect in 2026, Bishop Rhoades has called on Notre Dame's leadership to rectify the situation before it becomes official. The ongoing discourse surrounding this appointment may influence future decisions regarding faculty and leadership roles at Catholic universities, particularly in relation to contentious social issues like abortion.
