Notre Dame Professor Rejects Honorary Appointment Amid Backlash

A University of Notre Dame professor who supports abortion rights has decided against accepting an honorary leadership role following considerable criticism from anti-abortion groups and over a dozen U.S. bishops.

Mary Gallagher, who serves as the dean of the Keough School of International Studies, stated in an email that professor Susan Osterman “has decided not to proceed as director” of the Lew Institute for Asian Studies.

Gallagher expressed gratitude for Osterman’s willingness to serve and the careful consideration she gave to her decision. Osterman herself cited concerns that focusing on her appointment could detract from the vital work the Institute is doing. She mentioned the need for a community at Notre Dame that encourages diverse voices.

This turn of events follows escalating backlash directed at the university. Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend publicly urged Notre Dame to withdraw Osterman’s appointment, labeling it a “scandal” for the Catholic community.

Initially, Osterman’s appointment was announced in January, and Rhoades emphasized the misalignment of her pro-abortion views with Notre Dame’s Catholic identity, noting her criticisms of the pro-life movement.

A number of U.S. bishops voiced their support for Rhoades. This included Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver, Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, and Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco among others, who also took issue with Osterman’s potential role at the school.

Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, stated that Osterman’s views pose a direct contradiction to Catholic teachings regarding the sanctity of life.

The controversy surrounding Osterman’s hiring has sparked further discussions among scholars, highlighting a broader discontent with the institution. One professor even resigned prior to Osterman’s appointment, expressing concern over decisions and practices that seemed contrary to the Catholic mission.

Additionally, the Notre Dame Right to Life Executive Committee published an editorial criticizing Osterman’s pro-abortion advocacy, mentioning her history of framing pro-life legislation in terms of “white supremacy” and “racism.” They also pointed out her connection with the Population Council, which has partnered with the Chinese government on controversial reproductive policies.

The committee concluded that these actions rendered Osterman unsuitable for the directorship of the Lew Institute.