Overview
- Keough School Dean Mary Gallagher announced on Feb. 26 that Susan Ostermann "decided not to move forward" as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies.
- Notre Dame said Ostermann remains a valued member of the Keough School faculty and will continue in her associate professor role.
- Ostermann’s selection drew opposition from Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades and more than a dozen other bishops, along with student and alumni critics citing her abortion-rights advocacy.
- At least two scholars, Diane Desierto and Robert M. Gimello, cut ties with the Liu Institute in protest of the appointment.
- Before the reversal, university officials had defended the choice, and Ostermann said the controversy risked overshadowing the institute’s work, as students organized prayer events and a Feb. 27 campus demonstration.