Notre Dame Appoints New Director Amid Controversy

The University of Notre Dame in Indiana recently appointed Susan Osterman as the new director of the Liu Institute for Asiatic Studies. This announcement, made last month, has stirred significant unrest among members of the university community who believed the institution would uphold its Catholic identity.

Reportedly, the plan was approved by Mary Gallagher, dean of the Keough School of International Studies, and Notre Dame President John McGreevy. However, the decision has incited a backlash, prompting some prominent academics to resign due to Osterman’s pro-abortion stance. Despite the criticism, the university remained steadfast in its decision, which some believe could lead to regret down the line.

Bishop Kevin Rose of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend emphasized the responsibility of maintaining the school’s Catholic values. On Wednesday, he expressed his disapproval of Osterman’s pro-abortion advocacy, stating it undermines the principles central to Notre Dame’s mission.

“I must express my regret and strong opposition to this appointment, which has caused a scandal for the faithful,” Bishop Rose said, adding that Osterman’s public support for abortion rights contradicts the core values of the university.

Osterman, currently an associate professor of world affairs at Notre Dame, has been vocal against the pro-life movement, using what some describe as “outrageous rhetoric” to defend abortion. In articles co-authored with former Notre Dame professor Tamara Kaye, she has made several controversial claims about abortion, including that it does not harm future fertility and that a fetus is not a baby in the early stages of pregnancy.

• “Criminalizing abortion will cause irreparable harm.”
• Claims that it is a misconception to say abortion kills babies.
• Stated that there is no fetus within the first ten weeks of pregnancy, dismissing scientific evidence to the contrary.
• Characterized abortion as a reinforcement of freedom.

The bishop also rejected Osterman’s ties to the Population Council, known for its pro-abortion policies globally. He expressed hope that she would reconsider her position and affirm the dignity of both mothers and unborn children.

Bishop Rose pointed out that Osterman’s public advocacy stands in stark contrast to the official stance of the university, which supports the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. He stressed that her appointment could compromise the integrity of Notre Dame as a Catholic institution.

With Osterman’s appointment effective July 1, the final decision on this matter lies with the university’s Board of Fellows. Concerns have been raised that forcing this appointment would be disingenuous to the university’s mission.

In a recent statement, the university’s public relations office stated that it remains confident in its choice. However, if the bishop determines that the university strays from its mission, he has the authority to intervene, potentially restricting its identification as a Catholic school.

The controversy has drawn attention from various bishops, with some expressing gratitude for Bishop Rose’s vocal opposition to the appointment. Bishop Robert Barron described it as contrary to the university’s mission of Catholic education.

Osterman defended her position, claiming her role is to support academic freedom and the diverse viewpoints of scholars, rather than promote a personal agenda. Yet, critics remain skeptical of her commitment to the university’s values.