Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds Notre Dame's Appointment of Pro-Abortion Professor
2/23/2026, 9:08:21 PM
Background on the Appointment
The University of Notre Dame has faced significant backlash following its decision to appoint Susan Ostermann, a pro-abortion activist, as the director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, effective July 1. Ostermann, currently an associate professor of global affairs, has publicly endorsed legal abortion and criticized the pro-life movement, linking it to white supremacy and misogyny. This appointment, announced on January 8, has prompted strong reactions from various U.S. bishops and Catholic leaders.
Key Figures in the Controversy
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, which includes Notre Dame, has been a vocal critic of Ostermann's appointment. He expressed "dismay" and "strong opposition," stating that her advocacy for abortion rights contradicts the core principles of justice central to Notre Dame's Catholic identity. Other bishops, including Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila and Springfield Bishop Thomas Paprocki, have echoed Rhoades' sentiments, labeling the decision as "scandalous" and urging the university to rescind the appointment.
Official Responses from the Catholic Church
Bishop Paprocki emphasized that Ostermann's public record of advocacy is fundamentally opposed to the dignity of human life, which is a foundational principle of Catholic social teaching. He stated, "Academic freedom does not obligate a Catholic university to entrust leadership to those whose public positions contradict essential moral truths." Cardinal Timothy Dolan also supported the criticism, asserting that Notre Dame should not compromise its moral witness.
Faculty and Alumni Reactions
The appointment has led to resignations among faculty members, including law professor Diane Desierto and theology professor emeritus Robert Gimello, who severed their ties with the Liu Institute in protest. Additionally, several recipients of Notre Dame's Evangelium Vitae Medal, awarded for pro-life advocacy, have publicly condemned the decision, calling it a betrayal of the university's Catholic mission.
Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding Ostermann's appointment raises questions about the university's commitment to its Catholic identity. Critics argue that the decision undermines the Church's consistent ethic of life and creates confusion among the faithful. Bishop Rhoades and others have called for a reaffirmation of Notre Dame's dedication to authentic Catholic education.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Notre Dame has defended Ostermann's qualifications, stating she is "well-prepared" for the role, the backlash from the bishops and Catholic community suggests a significant divide regarding the university's direction. Ostermann has remained largely silent amid the criticism, only reiterating her respect for Notre Dame's institutional position on the sanctity of life.
Verbatim Quotes
- “causing scandal to the faithful of our diocese and beyond.” — Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades
- “incompatible with the mission and moral witness Notre Dame claims to uphold,” — Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki
- “Notre Dame is a light to the world, as salt to the earth, to use the words of Jesus,” — Cardinal Timothy Dolan
The ongoing debate reflects broader tensions within the Catholic community regarding issues of academic freedom, moral integrity, and the university's role in upholding Church teachings.
