Notre Dame Professor Withdraws from Institute Role After Criticism

Abortion rights advocate Susan Ostermann steps down as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies amid opposition from Catholic leaders.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Susan Ostermann, a professor at the University of Notre Dame known for her support of abortion rights, has decided not to take on the role of director of the university's Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. Ostermann's appointment drew fierce opposition from at least 19 Catholic bishops and cardinals who criticized her pro-abortion stance. In a statement, Ostermann said she decided not to move forward as director in order to avoid distracting from the institute's important work.

Why it matters

The controversy over Ostermann's appointment highlights the ongoing tensions between academic freedom and Catholic values at the University of Notre Dame, a prominent Catholic institution. The university's decision to appoint a pro-abortion rights scholar to lead an important academic institute sparked a backlash from Catholic leaders, raising questions about the university's commitment to its religious identity.

The details

In January, Notre Dame announced that Ostermann, who joined the university in 2017 as a global affairs professor, would begin her role as director of the Asian studies center in July. However, Ostermann's appointment drew fierce opposition from some corners due to her outspoken support for abortion rights. According to Sycamore Trust, an unofficial organization of Notre Dame alumni, at least 19 cardinals, archbishops, and bishops opposed her appointment. In her statement, Ostermann said she decided not to move forward as director in order to avoid distracting from the institute's important work.

  • In January 2026, the University of Notre Dame announced that Ostermann would become the director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies.
  • On February 26, 2026, Ostermann announced that she would not be taking on the directorship role.

The players

Susan Ostermann

A professor of global affairs at the University of Notre Dame who is known for her outspoken support of abortion rights.

Mary Gallagher

The Marilyn Keough Dean of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley

The Archbishop of Oklahoma City and the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Bishop Robert E. Barron

The Bishop of Winona–Rochester.

Diane A. Desierto

A professor of law and global affairs at the University of Notre Dame.

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What they’re saying

“I fully support Bishop Kevin Rhoades in his challenge to Notre Dame to rectify its poor judgment.”

— Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (Sycamore Trust)

“I believe that going ahead with this appointment is repugnant to the identity and mission of that great center of Catholic learning.”

— Bishop Robert E. Barron, Bishop of Winona–Rochester (Sycamore Trust)

The takeaway

The controversy over Ostermann's appointment at Notre Dame highlights the ongoing tensions between academic freedom and Catholic values at the university. The decision to appoint a pro-abortion rights scholar to lead an important institute sparked a backlash from Catholic leaders, raising questions about the university's commitment to its religious identity and the ability of diverse voices to be heard on campus.