The OpenSecrets data indicates that the University of Notre Dame has been involved in notable political contributions and lobbying expenditures. With $308,136 in contributions and $370,000 in lobbying for the 2024 cycle, coupled with a revolving door where a large majority of lobbyists come from previous governmental roles, this activity is concerning from a democratic accountability perspective. Such practices can facilitate undue influence over policy and are viewed as complicit in the broader dynamics supporting authoritarian tendencies.

University of Notre Dame Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

Under its published guidelines, the University of Notre Dame commits to a non-partisan approach by not intervening in political campaigns, thus reinforcing principles of free inquiry and neutral political engagement. This proactive measure supports democratic values by ensuring that political hosting is regulated and devoid of bias, mitigating any risk of becoming entangled with authoritarian influences. Such a policy is commendable in its adherence to legal obligations while protecting the integrity of political processes.

Hosting Political Candidates or Elected Officials

The filing of the unfair labor practice charge highlights a failure to classify student-athletes as employees, which undermines their labor rights and denies them union representation. This labor practice is indicative of a broader disregard for fair labor standards and contributes indirectly to authoritarian structures that exploit workers.

College Athletics Returns To The NLRB With Notre Dame ULP Charge - Mondaq

The filing of an unfair labor complaint highlights potential exploitation within labor practices at Notre Dame. Classifying college athletes as 'student-athletes' may be a strategy to avoid providing fair employment benefits and the right to unionize, reflecting poor adherence to labor rights. This complaint exposes a concerning alignment with practices that undermine worker protections and contribute indirectly to broader systems of exploitation, which are antithetical to anti-fascist, equitable labor values.

Unfair labor complaint filed against Notre Dame over athletes - WSBT

Focusing on the political contributions aspect, the data reveals that Notre Dame employees contributed significantly more to Democratic-affiliated committees, a choice that runs counter to the financial support of authoritarian or fascist practices. This proactive political contribution behavior is rated positively.

Political Donations From Notre Dame Employees - Irish Rover

Notre Dame has taken a commendable step toward enhancing its supply chain ethics by developing a policy that ensures respect for human rights. The initiative, crafted with expert organizations in supply chain assessment, reflects a strong commitment to business practices and ethical responsibility. This move contrasts with the complicity in oppressive policies seen in corporate neglect and marks a progressive effort against systemic human rights abuses.

A Case in Point: How Can Universities Promote Corporate Responsibility in Their Supply Chains? The Experience of the University of Notre Dame (Chapter 20)