Notre Dame Professor Declines Asia Institute Directorship After Backlash

Susan Ostermann, a pro-abortion rights scholar, steps down from planned leadership role following criticism from Catholic leaders and student groups.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Susan Ostermann, an associate professor of global affairs at the University of Notre Dame, has declined an appointment to lead the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies after facing backlash over her public advocacy for abortion rights. The decision comes after mounting pressure from Catholic bishops, student groups, and fellow faculty members who criticized Ostermann's past writings supporting legal abortion.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions at Catholic universities like Notre Dame over academic freedom and the institution's religious identity. Ostermann's appointment sparked concerns from the local bishop and others that her views were incompatible with Notre Dame's Catholic mission.

The details

Ostermann, who joined Notre Dame in 2017, was slated to begin her directorship on July 1, 2026. Her appointment, announced in January 2026, quickly drew fire due to articles she co-authored arguing in favor of legal abortion. In one essay, Ostermann and a co-author asserted that 'almost 90 per cent of abortions occur during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy when there are no babies or fetuses.' Bishop Kevin Carl Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend was among the most vocal critics, describing Ostermann's views as an attack on the pro-life movement.

  • Ostermann's appointment was announced on January 8, 2026.
  • Ostermann was slated to begin her directorship on July 1, 2026.
  • Ostermann declined the appointment on February 28, 2026.

The players

Susan Ostermann

An associate professor of global affairs at the University of Notre Dame who was appointed to lead the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, but declined the position after facing backlash over her pro-abortion rights views.

Bishop Kevin Carl Rhoades

The Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, whose jurisdiction includes the University of Notre Dame. He was a vocal critic of Ostermann's appointment, describing her views as an attack on the pro-life movement.

Luke Woodyard

A Notre Dame student who organized a demonstration called 'March on the Dome' to protest Ostermann's appointment, which will proceed as scheduled despite her decision to decline the directorship.

Gabriel Ortner

A Notre Dame student who co-organized the 'March on the Dome' demonstration with Luke Woodyard.

Mary Gallagher

The dean of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, who announced Ostermann's decision to decline the directorship.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.