Florida Board of Governors Rejects UF Presidential Candidate Over Protest Handling

The University of Florida's Board of Governors voted 10-6 to reject Santa Ono as the next UF president, despite his unanimous approval by the university's Board of Trustees. Ono, former president of the University of Michigan, faced strong criticism from Florida Republican leaders over his handling of pro-Palestinian protests and alleged leniency toward anti-Israel encampments on the Michigan campus. Key critics, including U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, expressed concerns about Ono's approach to campus safety and anti-Semitism, emphasizing the need for a leader aligned with Florida values. Ono attempted to distance himself from his record on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, but some Board of Governors members found his disavowal insincere. The rejection was seen as a victory for conservative priorities in Florida's education system, where debates over diversity and free speech remain contentious. Ono had already announced his departure from Michigan prior to the vote and will not be returning there.