Overview
- Keough School Dean Mary Gallagher informed the community on Feb. 26 that Susan Ostermann will not move forward as director, a role scheduled to begin July 1.
- Notre Dame said it respects her decision and emphasized that she remains a valued member of the faculty.
- Ostermann said attention on her appointment risked overshadowing the institute’s work and described her goal as fostering open dialogue on campus.
- Opposition was led by Bishop Kevin Rhoades and included at least 19 prelates listed by the Sycamore Trust, among them USCCB president Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Bishop Robert E. Barron.
- Two scholars, Diane A. Desierto and Robert M. Gimello, said they were cutting ties with the Liu Institute in protest over the appointment.