Story perspectives

Notre Dame's Controversial Appointment Sparks Backlash and Resignations

2/23/2026

Summary

Ostermann's Controversial Appointment

The University of Notre Dame named Susan Ostermann, a pro-abortion activist, as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, drawing backlash.
Bishops condemned the appointment, including Bishop Kevin Rhoades, who called it "causing scandal," and Archbishop Samuel Aquila, who urged rescission.
The controversy has led to faculty resignations and raised concerns about Notre Dame's Catholic values.
Ostermann's leadership is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026.

Summary

Pro-Life Protestors Mobilize

Pro-life advocates protested the University of Notre Dame's appointment of Susan Ostermann.
On February 16, Evangelium Vitae Medal recipients Helen M. Alvaré, a legal scholar; Mary Ann Glendon, an academic; and William J. Thorn, an academic, signed an open letter expressing concerns about Ostermann's pro-abortion stance.
The Observer published the letter; the Lauinger couple, parents of eight Notre Dame alumni, endorsed it, underscoring broad discontent among alumni and pro-life supporters.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade legalized abortion nationwide, asserting women's rights during the first trimester. This landmark decision sparked ongoing debates, particularly among religious groups like the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which has consistently opposed abortion. The recent appointment of pro-abortion activist Susan Ostermann at Notre Dame has intensified these tensions, highlighting the clash between institutional beliefs and changing societal views on reproductive rights.

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Ostermann's Controversial Appointment

The University of Notre Dame named Susan Ostermann, a pro-abortion activist, as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, drawing backlash.
Bishops condemned the appointment, including Bishop Kevin Rhoades, who called it "causing scandal," and Archbishop Samuel Aquila, who urged rescission.
The controversy has led to faculty resignations and raised concerns about Notre Dame's Catholic values.
Ostermann's leadership is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026.

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