U.S. bishops unite in urging Notre Dame to rescind the appointment of Susan Ostermann, citing threats to Catholic identity and mission.
Newsroom (13/02/2026 Gaudium Press ) A widening chorus of U.S. Catholic bishops is urging the University of Notre Dame to reverse its decision to appoint Professor Susan Ostermann—an outspoken advocate for abortion rights—as director of the university’s Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies.
The controversy intensified on February 11 after Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne–South Bend, Indiana, publicly condemned the appointment, calling it a “scandal” that endangers Notre Dame’s Catholic mission and identity. Rhoades, who oversees the diocese where the university is located, said the appointment should be rescinded before it takes effect on July 1.
“Notre Dame’s decision undermines the values that define it as a Catholic institution,” Rhoades wrote, adding that the appointment “sows confusion among the faithful” and risks compromising the university’s moral credibility.
Bishops Rally in Support of Rhoades
Following Rhoades’ statement, several fellow bishops echoed his concerns and joined the call for reversal. Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver expressed gratitude for Rhoades’ leadership, writing on X that the university’s move “tarnishes Our Lady’s university and what it means to be Catholic.”
“I pray that those who can rescind this terrible appointment will do so,” Aquila added. “Pray for the conversion of hearts!”
Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota—widely known for his “Word on Fire” ministry—offered his “strong support” of Rhoades’ statement. He argued that Ostermann’s views go far beyond a neutral “pro-choice” stance, describing her as “a sharp critic of the pro-life position and those who advocate it.”
Barron noted that Ostermann has characterized anti-abortion advocacy as “rooted in white supremacy and racism” and suggested that Catholic teaching on “integral human development” implies support for abortion rights. “I believe that going ahead with this appointment is repugnant to the identity and mission of that great center of Catholic learning,” Barron said.
Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth, Texas, also voiced solidarity, commending Rhoades for “carrying out his pastoral responsibility” and urging the faithful to pray that Notre Dame “reconsider this distressing decision.”
Support Beyond the Episcopate
Rhoades’ defense of Catholic teaching drew backing from Catholic laity and public figures as well. Actress and pro-life advocate Patricia Heaton thanked both Rhoades and Barron for their statements. Former U.S. Representative Dan Lipinski, a lifelong Catholic, praised the bishops for their “public witness,” writing that such action “must be used to point all to the truth.”
University Stands Firm
Despite weeks of growing backlash, Notre Dame has maintained its position. The university told the Irish Rover on February 8 that it had “not changed its position” on Ostermann’s upcoming leadership of the Liu Institute.
Ostermann, a professor of global affairs, has meanwhile sought to defuse the controversy. Speaking to the National Catholic Register on January 29, she insisted her role “is to support the diverse research of our scholars and students, not to advance a personal political agenda.”
“I respect Notre Dame’s institutional position on the sanctity of life at every stage,” Ostermann said. She added that she is “inspired by the university’s focus on integral human development, which calls us to promote the dignity and flourishing of every person.”
The dispute underscores enduring tensions between Catholic identity and contemporary academic freedom at one of the nation’s most prominent Catholic universities—a debate that shows no sign of ending soon.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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