SOUTH BEND, IN – Dr. Susan Ostermann, a distinguished professor at the University of Notre Dame, has reportedly withdrawn from a directorship position following intense scrutiny from a coalition of concerned bishops and cardinals who, sources indicate, initially believed her academic portfolio consisted solely of medieval hymnology and the proper veneration of saintly relics. The ecclesiastical oversight, which began after a routine audit of faculty members' 'spiritual alignment scores,' quickly escalated upon the discovery of Dr. Ostermann's nuanced views on reproductive rights.

“We were under the impression all faculty opinions were pre-vetted through the Office of Ecclesiastical Harmonization,” stated Monsignor Bartholomew 'Barty' Finch, Head of Theological Consistency and Semaphore Signals for the Archdiocese of South Bend. “To find a professor holding a belief not explicitly outlined in the 12th-century papal bulls was, frankly, a breach of decorum. We’re not asking for thought control, merely thought *guidance*.”

University officials expressed surprise at the development. “Our professors are typically hired for their expertise in their fields, not for their ability to perfectly parrot the Vatican’s latest press release,” commented Dr. Philomena 'Philly' Jenkins, Interim Dean of Unforeseen Academic Complications. “However, we understand the need to ensure all directorships are held by individuals whose internal monologue aligns perfectly with the prevailing sentiments of at least 19 highly vocal church officials.”

Dr. Ostermann could not be reached for comment, though a source close to her indicated she was last seen meticulously cataloging her personal collection of 'heretical' philosophical texts, reportedly preparing for a new, less 'bishop-adjacent' research project.