In an unusual and intensely politicized move, the Florida Board of Governors voted 10-6 to reject the contract of Santa Ono as the next president of the University of Florida. The action comes after a unanimous recommendation from the school’s Board of Trustees, in a rare political intervention into academic governance.
Santa Ono, a seasoned scholar and past president of the University of Michigan, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Cincinnati, has long advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), environmental justice, and science-based policies. But those positions incited backlash in Florida’s ever-more conservative politics.
Conservatives such as Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Donald Trump Jr., and activist Christopher Rufo strongly objected to Ono’s appointment. Trump Jr. called him a “woke psycho” and pressured board members to reject him. His backing of DEI programs and being a leader in pro-Palestinian protests and climate activism were red flags in the criticism.
Ono Tries to Assuage Board Amid Controversy
In Tuesday’s session, Ono tried to assuage the Board that his sentiments had changed. “DEI programs will not find a home at the University of Florida,” he stated, positioning himself with what is happening in Florida today. He also wrote an op-ed detailing how DEI has transformed from encouraging equality to being divisive, which led him to dial back similar initiatives at Michigan.
Even after his public reversal, some board members doubted his sincerity. Former Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva called out Ono directly, while others criticized the intensity and tone of the boardroom discussion.
DeSantis Remains Silent while Leadership Search Continues
The ruling puts Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in an awkward position, as sources indicate he endorsed Ono’s candidacy. Yet his office remains silent so far on the result publicly.
With this rejection, the University of Florida is now forced to begin a new presidential search process under the shadow of political scrutiny and recent controversy surrounding former president Ben Sasse.
