The University of Florida’s presidential appointment process was upended on Tuesday when the Florida Board of Governors blocked Santa Ono’s selection, despite unanimous backing from the university’s Board of Trustees.
Ono, a veteran academic leader and most recently the president of the University of Michigan, was denied the role by a 10-6 vote — an unusual move that sends UF back to square one in its leadership search.
Ono’s candidacy drew intense scrutiny from conservative political circles. Opponents objected to his past support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and his handling of other culturally divisive issues at previous institutions.
The terms of his proposed contract would have required him to roll back DEI programs, align with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Office of Government Efficiency, and appoint administrators who reflect Florida’s conservative educational agenda.
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Conservatives Voice Strong Opposition
Critics, including several high-profile Republicans, openly challenged Ono’s record. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott wrote on X that Ono “is willing to appease and prioritize far-left activists over ensuring students are protected and receive a quality education.”
Donald Trump Jr. and Florida GOP Reps. Byron Donalds, Greg Steube, and Jimmy Patronis also criticized the appointment. Donalds, a gubernatorial candidate, was particularly vocal.
In an op-ed for Inside Higher Ed, Ono acknowledged his initial endorsement of DEI, stating it aimed to promote fairness and opportunity.
“But over time, I saw how DEI became something else — more about ideology, division and bureaucracy, not student success,” he explained. He added that he curtailed DEI efforts at Michigan and affirmed, “I believe in Florida’s vision for higher education.”
While Gov. DeSantis didn’t publicly oppose Ono, he did say at a press conference that some of Ono’s past remarks made him “cringe.” The board’s meeting turned tense as Ono was interrogated by members such as Paul Renner and Jose Oliva.
Charles Lydecker, another board member, objected to the tone of questioning, saying, “We have never used this as a forum to interrogate. This is not a court of law. Candidly, this process does not seem fair to me.”
Oliva pushed back on Ono’s change in views. “Now we are told to believe you are now abandoning an entire ideological architecture,” he said.
Uncertainty Looms Over UF Leadership
Rep. Greg Steube celebrated the board’s rejection, writing on X: “Great news for my alma mater and the state of Florida! The Board of Governors heard us loud and clear: Santa Ono was the wrong choice for UF.”
Ono was expected to replace interim president Kent Fuchs, who took over following the resignation of Ben Sasse.
Sasse left after his wife’s epilepsy diagnosis, but his tenure had already raised eyebrows over generous salaries for former political aides and over $1.3 million in expenses for exclusive dinners and events.
Now, with Ono’s candidacy halted, UF faces continued uncertainty over who will lead the university into its next chapter.
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