.png)
Following a wave of backlash regarding her public advocacy for abortion rights, Associate Professor Susan Ostermann has declined the directorship of Notre Dame’s Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. The reversal comes just weeks before her July 1 appointment was set to begin.
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades joined approximately 50 students and faculty at the University of Notre Dame’s Marian grotto, to pray for the school's Catholic mission. The gathering, held on Feb. 24, served as a spiritual response to the Bishop’s Feb. 11 statement, in which he expressed "dismay" over Ostermann’s selection as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies.
The Prayer: Participants braved the winter cold to pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary.
The Message: Bishop Rhoades praised the attendees, stating, "I’m so proud of all of you... We pray for the University of Notre Dame, and we ask for the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother."
The Leadership: The event was organized by students Gabriel Ortner and Luke Woodyard, who felt compelled to act after the Bishop called for the community to safeguard the university’s "faithfulness to the Gospel of life."
Student Groups still planning to Protest at ‘March on the Dome’ This Friday at 6:00 p.m., a coalition of Catholic and conservative student organizations will host the “March on the Dome” originally to protest the appointment of Susan Ostermann as director of the Liu Institute but now to prevent future incidents. Woodyard stated, “The spirit in which we ‘March on the Dome’ was never just [Ostermann], it was making sure nothing like this shocking appointment is ever tolerated at Notre Dame.”
The Announcement
The news broke Thursday morning via an email from Mary Gallagher, Dean of the Keough School of Global Affairs. Despite stepping back from the leadership role, Ostermann will maintain her position as a faculty member.
“Professor Susan Ostermann, a member of the Keough School faculty who was recently appointed director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, has decided not to move forward as director,” Gallagher wrote. “I am grateful for her willingness to serve and for the thoughtfulness with which she approached this decision.”
Gallagher emphasized that the Liu Institute remains “committed to supporting its faculty, students and staff as they carry forward this important work.”
Context of the Resignation
Since her appointment was first announced on Jan. 8, Ostermann—an expert on South Asian law—faced significant pressure from 15 bishops, two cardinals, and various campus organizations. The opposition centered on her outspoken support for abortion rights in publications like the Chicago Tribune.
In a statement included in the Dean's email, Ostermann explained her reasoning for stepping down:
“My only goal in accepting the Liu Institute Directorship was to serve as a steward for the Institute’s world-class faculty, students and staff; it is not a position I applied for, but I was truly honored to take it on,” Ostermann said. “At present, the focus on my appointment risks overshadowing the vital work the Institute performs, which it should be allowed to pursue without undue distraction."
She further noted that the controversy highlighted a need for internal growth at the university:
"At the same time, it has become clear that there is work to do at Notre Dame to build a community where a variety of voices can flourish. Both academic inquiry and the full realization of human dignity demand this of us. Towards both of these ends, I have decided not to move forward as Director."
Student Protests and University Response
Despite Ostermann’s withdrawal, a student-led "March on the Dome" scheduled for Friday will proceed. Organizer Luke Woodyard, a sophomore, told The Observer that the issue extends beyond a single appointment.
“This is great news, but although we won the battle, the war wages on. The fact that this pro abortion professor could ever be appointed signifies a much deeper Split between the students, deans, and administration,” Woodyard stated. “The spirit in which we ‘March on the Dome’ was never just [Ostermann], it was making sure nothing like this shocking appointment is ever tolerated at Notre Dame.”
The University of Notre Dame released a brief statement supporting the professor's choice:
“We respect Professor Ostermann’s decision to decline the directorship of the Liu Institute. We appreciate her deep commitment to the Institute’s mission and her desire to advance its important work. She remains a highly valued member of our faculty, and we are grateful for her continued contributions as a scholar-teacher and member of the Notre Dame community.”
https://www.ndsmcobserver.com/article/2026/02/breaking-ostermann-declines-liu-institute-directorship-following-backlash-over-abortion-advocacy
Comments