Notre Dame's Reversal on Ostermann Shows Catholic Universities Must Uphold Their Religious Mission
Source: Breccan F. Thies. "Prof Who Attacked Pro-Lifers Won't Get Top Role At Notre Dame." February 26, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that Notre Dame was right to reverse its decision to appoint a pro-abortion professor to lead an institute, but only did so after facing heavy criticism from bishops and others. This shows Catholic universities need to be more careful about maintaining their religious identity when making leadership appointments.
Conclusion
Notre Dame's decision to reverse Professor Ostermann's appointment demonstrates that Catholic universities should not appoint leaders whose views fundamentally contradict Catholic teaching
Premises
- Professor Ostermann holds views that directly contradict Catholic teaching, including that being pro-life has 'roots in white supremacy and racism' and is 'embedded' with misogyny
- Ostermann worked as a consultant for the Population Council, an organization dedicated to promoting abortion worldwide
- Ostermann claimed that Catholic teaching actually supports abortion, which contradicts established Catholic doctrine
- The appointment faced significant backlash from 15 Catholic bishops, two cardinals, campus groups, and national media
- Bishop Rhoades stated that Ostermann's claims 'should disqualify her from an administrative and leadership role at a Catholic university'
- Notre Dame has a pattern of 'waffling on its relationship with its Catholic mission and identity for decades'
- The reversal occurred only after sustained pressure, suggesting Notre Dame initially prioritized other considerations over Catholic identity
Assumptions
- Catholic universities have an obligation to maintain consistency with Catholic teaching in their leadership appointments
- Administrative positions at Catholic institutions carry special responsibility for upholding institutional mission
- Public pressure and episcopal criticism are legitimate ways to hold Catholic institutions accountable
- There is an inherent conflict between pro-abortion advocacy and Catholic institutional leadership