Archives
Our bulletins are listed below by date published. To search for specific content, please use the search field below. If you have a tip or story ideas, send it to news@sycamoretrust.org.
“Pride” in June, Sacred Heart in September
WordPress excerpt: Notre Dame promoted LGBTQ+ Pride through official University and alumni channels in June. This September, it will consecrate the campus community to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a welcome development, but June still belongs to Pride under the Dome.
Why Can’t Notre Dame Avoid Scandal?
As Notre Dame begins another academic year amid renewed controversy over its Catholic identity, Professor Daniel Philpott explains why the University’s recurring “blowups” are avoidable—and how Catholic fidelity and genuine academic freedom can coexist.
The Faculty Question and Notre Dame’s Catholic Future
Bill Dempsey examines the most important long-term issue facing Notre Dame’s Catholic identity: whether the University still possesses the “predominant number of Catholic intellectuals” required by its own Mission Statement. Drawing on history, Church teaching, and decades of faculty data, he explains why faculty composition ultimately determines the future of
Carter Snead: A Stress Test for Notre Dame’s Catholic Mission
Professor O. Carter Snead examines the state of Notre Dame’s Catholic mission through the lens of the University’s Mission Statement and the recent Liu Institute controversy. Emphasizing that “personnel is policy,” he argues that mission-focused faculty hiring and faithful leadership remain essential to preserving Notre Dame’s distinctive Catholic identity.
Independent Investigation Reveals Decades of Clergy Misconduct
An independent investigation into Fr. Thomas King and Fr. David Porterfield reveals decades of misconduct and raises serious questions about accountability at Notre Dame.
The Ostermann Affair and Notre Dame’s Leadership Failure
Susan Ostermann’s withdrawal from the Liu Institute directorship halted a major scandal at Notre Dame — but it did not resolve the deeper issues exposed by the appointment. This Bulletin examines the administration’s steadfast defense of the decision, the nationwide Catholic backlash it provoked, and the reappointment of Provost John
“March on the Dome”
Students across Notre Dame are organizing a peaceful “March on the Dome” in response to the appointment of a pro-abortion professor to lead the Liu Institute. Supported by Bishop Kevin Rhoades and joined by a growing national chorus of bishops, the movement seeks to defend the University’s Catholic identity and
Bishop Rhoades To Notre Dame: “Rectify the Situation.”
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades has called upon Notre Dame’s leadership to reverse the appointment of Associate Professor Susan Ostermann as director of the Liu Institute, citing her public advocacy for abortion and the scandal caused to the faithful. As the bishop of the diocese that includes Notre Dame, he bears
Abortion Activist to Lead Asian Studies Institute
Last month, the University announced the appointment of Associate Professor Susan Ostermann as Director of the Keough School’s Liu Institute of Asia and Asian Studies. Ostermann is a frequent and full-throated advocate of abortion. Her elevation to a position of prominence and influence is a scandal of the first order
The Irish Rover Responds to Notre Dame’s Mission Requirement Removal
A follow-up to our earlier reporting on Notre Dame’s staff mission controversy, this bulletin features The Irish Rover’s editorial response. Editor-in-chief Lucy Spence explains why restoring mission language is insufficient when institutional actions continue to undermine Catholic identity.
From Clarity to Confusion: Notre Dame’s Values Rewrite
Notre Dame quietly removed the call for staff to support its Catholic mission from its official Values statement—then offered a weak substitute after backlash. In this Bulletin, we expose the implications for the University’s Catholic identity and the troubling signs of deepening secularization.
Notre Dame’s Pornography Gateway
Notre Dame continues to act as a digital pornography distributor to students. Despite student petitions and clear Church teaching, the administration has refused to act—or even explain. This Bulletin lays out the facts and Catholic teaching, and invites readers to join an Open Letter calling on university leadership to end
