By Michael Gryboski, Editor Friday, February 27, 2026

A researcher who has advocated for abortion rights and publicly criticized the pro-life movement has declined a leadership appointment at the University of Notre Dame, following extensive backlash to the news of her promotion, including criticism from a Roman Catholic bishop. 

Keough School of Global Affairs Dean Mary Gallagher informed the campus community via email on Thursday that Susan Ostermann “has decided not to move forward" with her appointment as the new director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies at the Indiana-based university.

“I am grateful for her willingness to serve and for the thoughtfulness with which she approached this decision,” wrote Gallagher, as quoted by The Observer.

Ostermann, who will remain on the faculty at the Keough School as the associate professor of global affairs, said in a statement included in the email that she believed “the focus on my appointment risks overshadowing the vital work the Institute performs, which it should be allowed to pursue without undue distraction.”

“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,” said Ostermann, as quoted by The Observer.

“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.”

Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, whose territory includes Notre Dame and who had been critical of Ostermann’s appointment, celebrated the news.

“I am very grateful to all the members of the Notre Dame community and beyond who, out of love for Notre Dame, expressed their opposition to the appointment,” stated Rhoades, as quoted by OSV News.

“This is not an issue about academic freedom or scholarly engagement … the appointment of persons to leadership positions at a Catholic university is an act of institutional witness, a mission-governance issue.”

In January, the Keough School announced Ostermann’s appointment as director of the Liu Institute, which was scheduled to take effect on July 1.

“Susan is an exceptional scholar and a deeply engaged teacher whose work reflects the Keough School’s commitment to rigorous, interdisciplinary research with real-world impact,” said Gallagher at the time.

“Her long-standing engagement with Asia, combined with her collaborative leadership style, makes her an outstanding choice to lead the Liu Institute into its next chapter.”

The appointment soon garnered controversy due to Ostermann’s history of attacking the pro-life movement in opinion columns, and her work with the pro-choice NGO Population Council.

Many students and alumni, as well as multiple bishops, protested her appointment, believing that her advocacy for abortion put her at odds with the fundamental Catholic identity of Notre Dame.

Bishop Robert Barron, founder of the popular Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, was among those calling for Ostermann’s appointment to be rescinded, noting that it was not “simply” a matter of being identified as pro-choice.

“[Ostermann] is a sharp critic of the pro-life position and those who advocate it,” tweeted Barron. “She has gone so far as to characterize the anti-abortion stance as rooted in white supremacy and racism, and she has insinuated that the Catholic commitment to integral human development implies the support of abortion rights.”

“I speak as someone with strong connections to and deep affection for the University of Notre Dame. I believe that going ahead with this appointment is repugnant to the identity and mission of that great center of Catholic learning.”

News Source : https://www.christianpost.com/news/abortion-advocate-declines-director-appointment-at-notre-dame.html