Notre Dame Students Rally Against Abortion Advocate's Leadership Appointment

Abortion rights advocate withdraws from director role at university's Asian studies center after campus backlash.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Students at the University of Notre Dame are rallying to defend the university's Catholic identity after an abortion-rights advocate, Susan Ostermann, was appointed to lead the school's Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. Ostermann has since decided to withdraw from the role, but students say the "war" for Notre Dame's Catholic identity is not over, as Ostermann will remain a professor at the university.

Why it matters

The appointment of an abortion-rights advocate to a leadership role at a Catholic university sparked controversy and mobilized students to defend the school's Catholic identity and values. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between academic freedom and religious principles at Catholic institutions.

The details

In January, the university announced that Ostermann, who joined Notre Dame in 2017 as a global affairs professor, would begin her role as director of the Asian studies center in July. However, after campus backlash, Ostermann has decided not to move forward with the appointment. Students, led by sophomore Luke Woodyard, an organizer of the "March on the Dome" rally, say the fight for Notre Dame's Catholic identity is not over, as Ostermann will remain a professor at the university.

  • In January 2026, the university announced Ostermann's appointment as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies.
  • On February 27, 2026, Ostermann decided not to move forward with the appointment.

The players

Susan Ostermann

A global affairs professor at the University of Notre Dame who was appointed to lead the university's Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, but has since decided to withdraw from the role after campus backlash due to her advocacy for abortion rights.

Luke Woodyard

A sophomore at the University of Notre Dame and an organizer of the "March on the Dome" rally, which is being held to defend the university's Catholic identity.

University of Notre Dame

A private Catholic university in Notre Dame, Indiana, that remains steadfast in its commitment to the dignity of human life and the sanctity of life at every stage.

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What they’re saying

“I congratulate our students for applying the vital pressure needed to get Professor Susan Ostermann to resign from her appointment.”

— Luke Woodyard, Sophomore at the University of Notre Dame and organizer of the "March on the Dome" rally (Fox News Digital)

“This is a big win, but the war for Notre Dame's Catholic Identity is not yet over. Not only will Ostermann remain at Notre Dame, but she will remain as a professor perpetuating a culture of death within Notre Dame's walls.”

— Luke Woodyard, Sophomore at the University of Notre Dame and organizer of the "March on the Dome" rally (Fox News Digital)

“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. 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.”

— Susan Ostermann (Fox News Digital)

“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. Instead, I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the university to build a campus community where all can speak openly on the issues that matter to them most, and to continuing collaborations with colleagues at the Liu Institute and beyond.”

— Susan Ostermann (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The students organizing the "March on the Dome" rally say they will continue to press on and ensure that no pro-abortion advocate is able to "weaponize Our Lady's name in actions against the life of the unborn."

The takeaway

This situation at the University of Notre Dame highlights the ongoing tensions between academic freedom and religious principles at Catholic institutions. While the withdrawal of the abortion-rights advocate from the leadership role is a win for students, the fight to defend the university's Catholic identity is far from over.