Susan Ostermann, an outspoken abortion advocate and associate professor in the Keough School of Global Affairs, has declined her promotion as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, according to an email sent by Keough Dean Mary Gallagher.
The decision comes after the university faced intense backlash to the appointment, first announced on January 8. Ostermann, hired by the Keough School in 2017, has authored nearly a dozen articles advocating for increased abortion access, arguing that “[a]bortion saves lives.”
A university spokesperson gave the Rover the following response to Ostermann’s decision:
“We respect Professor Ostermann’s decision to decline the directorship of the Liu Institute. We appreciate her deep commitment to the Institute’s mission and her desire to advance its important work. She remains a highly valued member of our faculty, and we are grateful for her continued contributions as a scholar-teacher and member of the Notre Dame community.”
Gallagher, in her email to Keough students and faculty, described Ostermann as a “respected scholar” and expressed gratitude “for her willingness to serve and for the thoughtfulness with which she approached this decision.”
Ostermann’s own words to the Keough community were included at the end of the email:
“My only goal in accepting the Liu Institute Directorship was to serve as a steward for the Institute’s world-class faculty, students and staff; it is not a position I applied for, but I was truly honored to take it on. At present, 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. Towards both of these ends, I have decided not to move forward as Director. Instead, 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.”
Sources close to the university’s senior administration told The Pillar that university president Father Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. was caught “completely by surprise” by both the announcement and the ensuing backlash. According to the same sources, Fr. Dowd was not aware of the promotion or Ostermann’s extensive work in abortion advocacy.
The announcement of Ostermann’s appointment received public condemnation from 15 bishops and two cardinals, in addition to coverage from national media such as Fox News, EWTN, National Catholic Register, and The Pillar. Bishop Kevin Rhoades—whose diocese includes Notre Dame—issued a statement on February 11 calling on the university to rescind the appointment.
Sources close to the president’s office also told The Pillar that, in addition to the public criticisms, Fr. Dowd received a dozen other private messages from bishops.
Ostermann’s appointment was approved by Gallagher and university provost John McGreevy.
The news comes as a demonstration and prayer service is scheduled to be held Friday, February 27 in response to Ostermann’s appointment. The Rover confirmed that the event, organized by students Luke Woodyard and Gabe Ortner, will occur at 6 p.m. at the South Quad flagpole.
Editor’s Note: This is an ongoing news story and will be updated accordingly.
Lucy Spence is a junior from McLean, Virginia majoring in the Program of Liberal Studies and piano performance, with a minor in philosophy. She can be reached at lspence@nd.edu.