SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The University of Notre Dame confirmed Professor Susan Ostermann has declined her appointment to direct the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies.

This comes after public backlash regarding her outspoken abortion rights advocacy in articles in publications like the Chicago Tribune.

The University of Notre Dame released the following statement:

"We respect Professor Ostermann's decision to decline the directorship of the Liu Institute. We appreciate her deep commitment to the Institute's mission and her desire to advance its important work. She remains a highly valued member of our faculty, and we are grateful for her continued contributions as a scholar-teacher and member of the Notre Dame community."

Her appointment was criticized by 15 bishops, two cardinals, several campus groups, and other professors.

Ostermann's appointment was set to become effective on July 1.

Ostermann is currently an Associate Professor of Global Affairs, according to Notre Dame's staff directory.

Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend released the following statement:

"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."