University of Florida Board of Governors Rejects Santa Ono as President

The University of Florida's search for a new president hit a major setback when the State University System Board of Governors voted 10-6 against appointing Dr. Santa Ono, despite unanimous approval from the UF Board of Trustees. Ono, the immediate past-president of the University of Michigan, faced intense scrutiny and criticism from conservative board members over his previous support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and his handling of pro-Palestinian protests on campus. During the board meeting, which lasted much longer than scheduled, members questioned Ono extensively about his evolving stance on DEI and whether he could align with Florida's policies that denounce such programs. Ono acknowledged his shift in perspective and expressed support for Florida's direction, but this did not satisfy key critics who highlighted his past advocacy for DEI and systemic racism issues. The rejection was seen as a rebuke to the UF trustees and leaves the university without a permanent president following Ben Sasse's resignation last year, with former President Kent Fuchs continuing as interim. The university now must restart its search for a new leader amid a politically charged environment.