Statement on Professor Ostermann’s Decision to Decline Appointment

I was grateful to receive the news that Professor Susan Ostermann has declined the appointment to serve as the Director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies at the University of Notre Dame. I am very grateful to all the members of the Notre Dame community and beyond who, out of love for Notre Dame, expressed their opposition to the appointment.   

The reason I opposed the appointment is because the appointment of persons to leadership positions at a Catholic university is an act of institutional witness, a mission-governance issue. Recently, in a public statement, a Notre Dame spokesperson said that, “Notre Dame’s commitment to upholding the inherent dignity of the human person and the sanctity of life at every stage is unwavering.” Clearly Notre Dame is reaffirming its fidelity to a core truth of Catholic social teaching that is central to the Church’s commitment to integral human development. I see Notre Dame living out this commitment through its many classes, activities, and programs which promote human life and dignity. That mission commitment is compromised when a Catholic university appoints leaders or bestows honors on those who act or speak against fundamental teachings of the Church. This is not an issue about academic freedom or scholarly engagement. Academic freedom protects inquiry. It does not require institutional self-contradiction.

Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades
Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend

February 26, 2026