In an exclusive statement to Zeale News, Luke Woodyard, a student organizer behind the Feb. 27 "March on the Dome" demonstration at the University of Notre Dame, said Susan Ostermann's decision to step back from her appointed directorship of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies is far from a genuine concession.
The university confirmed Feb. 26 that Ostermann will remain on the faculty, stating she had “decided not to move forward” as director, effective immediately.
“There is no good faith on this withdrawal,” Woodyard said. “It is a calculated play by Ostermann and her supporters to lower the University outrage and retain her authority at Notre Dame.”
Ostermann declined the appointment after objections from students, alumni, Catholic leaders, and bishops who cited her past advocacy for abortion.
Woodyard congratulated fellow students and pro-life supporters for the outcome, crediting Ostermann’s decision to their efforts which included prayer.
"I’d like to congratulate our students and pro-life advocates for applying the vital pressure needed to get Professor Susan Ostermann to resign from her appointment," Woodyard stated. “Your prayer is heard by God.”
Despite calling the withdrawal “a big win,” he said the dispute over Notre Dame’s Catholic identity remains unresolved because Ostermann will continue as a faculty member.
“Not only will Ostermann remain at Notre Dame, but she will remain as a professor perpetuating a culture of death within Notre Dame’s walls,” Woodyard said.
Woodyard referenced the professor’s comment that “open access to abortion is an indispensable condition of the integral human development of women,” a view that conflicts with Catholic teaching on the sanctity of life.
Woodyard argued that the professor’s support for abortion underlies her broader statements about academic collaboration, such as “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the university to build a campus community where all can speak openly on the issues that matter to them most.”
Therefore, the candlelit “March on the Dome,” which was organized in response to the appointment, will proceed as scheduled Feb. 27.
“We must press on,” Woodyard said. “No Pro-Abortion advocate should ever be able to weaponize Our Lady’s name in actions against the life of the unborn.”