THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING NOTRE DAME, SAINT MARY’S AND HOLY CROSS ESTABLISHED 1966
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025 | VOL. LX, NO. 16
ND earns failing free speech grade By Sophie Hanawalt and Zander Daigle
Notre Dame News Editor and News Writer
Since 2021, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has published yearly college free speech rankings, surveying 68,510 college students in partnership with survey administrator College Pulse at 257 schools to gain insight into the state of freedom of expression on America’s campuses. In their most recent report, released Sept. 9, Notre Dame was among 166 schools that received an “F” grade for campus speech climate. Claremont McKenna College in California took the top spot, with a “B.” Only 11 schools received a grade of a “C” or better for their speech climate, and FIRE identified an overall rise in support of censorship as a cause for concern regarding freedom of expression on campuses. While Notre Dame has consistently received an “F” mark since FIRE began the rankings
in 2021, Notre Dame fell 71 places from last year’s rankings this time around to rank 238th out of 257 colleges and universities. The rankings are determined by a student survey at each of the 257 campuses. FIRE labeled Notre Dame’s scores for self-censorship and political tolerance as declining “drastically,” contributing to the drop in ranking. 66% of the 311 Notre Dame students surveyed shared that they had self-censored during conversations with other students on campus at least once or twice a month. 63% reported self-censoring during discussions with professors at least once or twice a month. 68% reported self-censoring during classroom discussions at least once or twice a month. In comparison, 28% of nationwide students said they “often self-censor during classroom discussions.” Senior and president of see “Free speech” page 4
Accenture director speaks on jobs, AI By Grace Sullivan News Writer
On Monday evening, the Technology and Digital Studies program in the College of Arts and Letters hosted the first lecture of a three-part series titled “AI and the Liberal Arts”
in DeBartolo Hall. Melissa Summers, managing director at Accenture, delivered the lecture, speaking on her professional experience running the business of internal IT at Accenture and offering her see “Accenture” page 2
GRACE SULLIVAN | The Observer
John Behrens, a professor of Technology and Digital Studies spoke alongside keynote speaker Melissa Summers about AI the workforce.
NDSMCOBSERVER.COM
Architecture school recieves $150 million donation
ETHAN CHIANG | The Observer
Matthew and Joyce Walsh donated $150 million to Notre Dame’s School of Architecture, which will be renamed in their honor. The Walsh’s historic contibution will fund new research opportunities in South Bend.
By Matthew Morin News Writer
Last week, the School of Architecture announced that it received a $150 million donation from Matthew and Joyce Walsh. Matthew
Walsh, a 1968 graduate from the University, chaired the School of Architecture Advisory Council from 2004 to 2021, according to a University press release. With the couple’s donation, the school will be renamed the Matthew and Joyce Walsh
School of Architecture at Notre Dame. The Walsh family has a long history with Notre Dame’s School of Architecture. “Joyce and I were see “Architecture” page 4
Fr. Nate Wills releases book on ND football and faith By Mara Hall News Writer
Fr. Nate Wills C.S.C. has ser ved as the football chaplain for eight seasons. In his new book, “Pray Like a Champion Today: Sacred Stories from the Sidelines of Notre Dame Football,” he details his experience w ith the team and how it has shaped his faith. Initially, Wills was surprised when Fr. Pete McCormick, C.S.C asked him to ser ve as the team’s chaplain. “I said, ‘First of all, I’m honored.’ And, second, I said, ‘I don’t know that much about football,’” Wills said. McCormick assuaged Wills’ concerns. “[McCormick] said, ‘Nate, we pay a lot of people a lot of money to know ever y thing
MARA HALL | The Observer
Fr. Nate Wills shares insights from his work as the Notre Dame football team’s chaplain in his new book, “Pray like a Champion Today.”
there is to know about football. We don’t need you to call plays. We just need you to point them to Jesus,’” Wills said. Wills has received
media attention for his work w ith a team, including an inter view w ith ESPN Game Day in 2023. In the
SPORTS | PAGE 12
NEWS | PAGE 3
OPINION | PAGE 6
SCENE | PAGE 7
SPORTS | PAGE 10
Korean film director
Letter to the Editor
‘Vie’ Doja Cat goes retro
Irish women’s golf
Acclaimed director Yim Soonrye visits ND for a screening of her film “Little Forest.”
William Kurtz writes on how Notre Dames has failed sex abuse victims.
Doja Cat’s return to pop is a successful throwback to the ‘80s.
The Notre Dame women’s golf team achieved first place at the Women’s Fighting Irish Classic.
see “Book” page 3
Irish men’s soccer Thanks to a game-winning shot from a freshman, the Irish emerge victorious.