In their Mid-Year Report Card for Christian Schools, Students for Life of America dropped Notre Dame’s grade from a “B” to an “F” grade. The update was announced Feb. 12.
According to a SFLA news release following the decision, the downgrade came as a direct result of professor Susan Ostermann's appointment as director of the Keough School of Global Affairs’ Liu Institute of Asia and Asian Studies.
The appointment of Ostermann, who is a professor of global affairs and political science with expertise in South Asia, regulatory compliance and comparative politics, became the center of controversy due to her outspoken abortion advocacy. She has co-authored various articles supporting abortion rights, including a Chicago Tribune op-ed that prompted then-President of the University Fr. John Jenkins to clarify that her work in the piece did not reflect the “views and values of the University of Notre Dame.”
“Elevating an abortion radical to lead at one of the premier Catholic schools in the nation represents a failure on the part of Notre Dame’s leadership,” Students for Life president Kristan Hawkins said in the release. “With that lapse in judgment, Notre Dame’s grade on our Christian School monitoring project drops to F.”
The SFLA’s report card is primarily based on a Christian school’s connections to Planned Parenthood or the abortion industry and whether they promote life-affirming alternatives. Grades are assigned based on documented “infractions,” including referrals to abortion providers, partnership or promotional materials found on institutional platforms.
Explaining the organization’s motivations behind releasing these report cards, SFLA vice president of media & policy Kristi Hamrick wrote in a statement to The Observer, “Our goal is not ‘gotcha’ reporting. We evaluate schools that choose to identify as faith-based or church connected, cutting out schools from denominations that embrace abortion, for the goal of asking schools to practice what they preach ... or at least what the sell to students and parents.”
She continued, ”We evaluate programming, website, staff, etc., and give the schools a chance to change their grade ... privately.”
The University responded to an Observer inquiry regarding this grade with the same statement it has been issuing since the controversy began.
“Notre Dame’s commitment to upholding the inherent dignity of the human person and the sanctity of life at every stage is unwavering. Those who serve in leadership positions at Notre Dame do so with the clear understanding that their decision-making as leaders must be guided by and consistent with the University’s Catholic mission,” a University spokesperson wrote.
The University spokesperson also reaffirmed Notre Dame’s support for Ostermann’s appointment.
“Professor Susan Ostermann is a highly regarded political scientist and legal scholar whose insightful research on regulatory compliance … demonstrates the rigorous, interdisciplinary expertise required to lead the Liu Institute,” the spokesperson wrote. “A deeply committed educator who has led study abroad programs in Mumbai, she is well prepared to expand the Institute’s global partnerships and create impactful research opportunities that advance our dedication to serving as the preeminent global Catholic research institution.”
According to the SFLA, restoring Notre Dame’s previous grade would require the rescinding of Ostermann’s appointment.
“It’s very disappointing for many that Notre Dame chooses to embrace a radical abortion advocate in a leadership role, but that’s a mistake that can be corrected,” Hamrick wrote. “And SFLA would change the school’s grade if corrective action was taken.”
