Friday rally at Notre Dame after Susan Ostermann withdraws from role

Students rallied at the University of Notre Dame on Friday to defend the university’s Catholic identity after an abortion rights advocate was appointed to lead the university’s Liu Institute for Asian and Asian Studies — which has since decided to withdraw from that role.

One student says the “war” for the school’s Catholic identity is still ongoing.

“I congratulate our students for exerting the vital pressure necessary to force Professor Susan Osterman to resign her appointment,” said Luke Woodyard, a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame and organizer of the “March on the Dome” Friday evening. Fox News Digital.

Mary Gallagher, professor of global affairs and dean of the university’s Keough School of Global Affairs, announced Thursday that Osterman “I decided not to go ahead“With the appointment.

A view of the University of Notre Dame campus’s Golden Dome and main building seen on October 15, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The university announced in January that Osterman – who joined the university in 2017 as a professor of global affairs – Her turn will begin Director of the Center for Asian Studies in July.

Woodyard, who sits on Executive Council of Notre Dame Right to Life, a political editor at the student newspaper, The Irish Rover, told Fox News Digital that Still concerned about The Catholic identity of the school.

“This is a great victory, but the war for Notre Dame’s Catholic identity is far from over,” Woodyard said.

He added: “Osterman will not only remain at Notre Dame, but will remain a professor working to perpetuate the culture of death within the walls of Notre Dame.” “Her comment that ‘open access to abortion is a sine qua non for women’s integral human development’ is what she really stands for when she says: ‘I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the university to build a campus community where everyone can speak openly about the issues that matter most to them…'”

In a statement to Fox News Digital Thursday about her decision, Osterman said, “My only goal in accepting the leadership of the Leo Institute was to serve as a mentor to the Institute’s world-class faculty, students, and staff; a position for which I did not apply, but which I was truly honored to take on. At present, focusing on my appointment risks overshadowing the vital work the Institute performs, which it must be allowed to pursue without undue distraction.”

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A general view of the Hesburgh Library campus at Notre Dame Stadium on October 15, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

“At the same time, it has become clear that there is work to do at Notre Dame to build a community in which a diverse range of voices can flourish,” she added. “Both academic research and the full realization of human dignity demand this of us. To achieve these two goals, I have decided not to move forward as director. Instead, I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the university to build a campus community where everyone can speak openly about the issues that matter most to them, and to continuing to collaborate with colleagues at the Liu Institute and beyond.”

Osterman has been a strong advocate of abortion in her writings.

she He co-authored a 2022 Chicago Tribune article Titled “Lies About Abortion Have Dictated Our Health Policy,” with former Notre Dame professor Tamara Kay, she writes that “nearly 90% of miscarriages occur within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy when there are no babies or fetuses. There are only blastocysts or fetuses that are too small to be seen on an abdominal ultrasound.”

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The University of Notre Dame campus is seen before the 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic on December 30, 2018, in South Bend, Indiana. (Nicole Abbett/NHLI via Getty Images/Editors. Note: Image was created using a drone)

In another Article 2022 Titled “Forced Pregnancy and Childbirth Are Violence Against Women—And Also a Horrible Health Policy,” published in Salon, Osterman and Kay write: “Criminalizing abortion does irreparable harm. In fact, it has the opposite political effect that anti-abortion advocates say they want: it can increase rates of miscarriage, unintended pregnancy and infant mortality.”

according to Sycamore trustan informal organization of Notre Dame alumni, at least 19 cardinals, archbishops and bishops opposed her appointment.

“The University of Notre Dame remains steadfast in its unwavering commitment to the inherent dignity of the human person and the sanctity of life at every stage,” Notre Dame told Fox News Digital in a statement. “We respect our students’ perspectives and their desire to be heard; this event is an example of the vibrant, deeply committed community that makes Notre Dame a special place.”

The University of Notre Dame campus with the Golden Dome, Sacred Heart Basilica and Washington Hall. (Aaron Yoder via Getty Images)

Woodyard said He questioned the motive Behind Osterman’s withdrawal.

He added: “There is no goodwill regarding this withdrawal.” “that it Calculated play By Osterman and her supporters to reduce the university’s anger and retain power at Notre Dame. We must press on. “No abortion supporter should be able to use Our Lady’s name as a weapon in actions against the lives of unborn children.”

He added that the students will continue the “march on the dome.”

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The university said Osterman had no further comment on Woodyard’s statements.

The “Walk on the Dome,” scheduled for 6 p.m. ET at the South Quad flagpole, is sponsored by Notre Dame Right to LifeStudents of Child-Oriented Policy, Knights of Columbus, Militia Aspirants, and Children of Mary.

It will include student speeches, prayers and the rosary in the cave led by the Tahirih Militia.

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