Professor Withdraws from Notre Dame Institute Role After Abortion Rights Controversy
A professor at the University of Notre Dame has declined a leadership appointment at one of the university’s research institutes following weeks of criticism from students, faculty, and several Catholic bishops over her past advocacy for abortion rights.
Susan Ostermann, an associate professor at Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs, decided not to move forward as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. The decision was confirmed in a message from Keough School Dean Mary Gallagher, who expressed appreciation for Ostermann’s willingness to serve and for the care with which she approached her choice.
Ostermann, whose academic work focuses on regulatory compliance, comparative politics, and environmental governance with an emphasis on South Asia, will remain on the faculty. Her appointment to lead the Liu Institute had been announced in early January and was scheduled to take effect in July.
The announcement sparked opposition from some members of the university community due to Ostermann’s prior public support for abortion rights and her previous consulting work with the Population Council, an organization that promotes sexual and reproductive health policies. Critics argued that her advocacy conflicted with core Catholic teaching on the sanctity of life.
Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne South Bend, whose diocese includes the university, publicly expressed strong opposition to the appointment earlier this month. He stated that the decision risked causing scandal among the faithful and said that support for abortion rights stands in tension with Notre Dame’s Catholic identity and mission.
In the days leading up to the professor’s withdrawal, Bishop Rhoades joined students, faculty, and staff at the campus Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes to pray for respect for human life and for the university. Student organizers described the controversy as part of broader concerns about how the institution embodies its Catholic character.
At least two faculty members resigned positions connected to the Liu Institute in protest of the original appointment. Despite the withdrawal, a student led demonstration calling for stronger affirmation of the university’s pro life commitments is expected to proceed.
In a statement explaining her decision, Ostermann said her intention in accepting the directorship had been to support the institute’s faculty and students, not to promote a personal agenda. She added that continued attention on her appointment risked distracting from the institute’s academic mission. At the same time, she noted the importance of fostering a campus environment where diverse perspectives can engage in serious scholarly dialogue.
The university previously emphasized that Ostermann had been selected for her academic expertise in Asian studies and affirmed that she understood the Catholic identity of the institution.
The episode highlights ongoing debates at Catholic universities about academic freedom, institutional mission, and the relationship between personal advocacy and leadership roles within faith based institutions.
