Overview
- Notre Dame named Associate Professor Susan Ostermann to lead the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies beginning July 1, 2026.
- Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades publicly called the decision a scandal to the faithful and urged university leaders to rescind the appointment.
- Rhoades cited Ostermann’s pro‑abortion op-eds and her consultancy with the Population Council as reasons he considers her unfit for a leadership post at a Catholic university.
- Bishops Robert Barron and Samuel J. Aquila voiced support for Rhoades’ stance, intensifying pressure on the university.
- Notre Dame defended Ostermann as highly qualified and reaffirmed its pro‑life commitments, and Ostermann said she respects the university’s mission and supports academic freedom, as two scholars cut ties with the Institute in protest.