Florida Board Rejects Santa Ono as University of Florida President Over DEI Backlash

The Florida Board of Governors voted 10-6 to reject Santa Ono as president of the University of Florida, despite his unanimous approval by the university's Board of Trustees. Ono, the former president of the University of Michigan, faced intense conservative backlash over his past support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which have become politically contentious under the Trump administration. Prominent GOP figures, including Florida Senator Rick Scott and Donald Trump Jr., publicly opposed Ono's nomination, citing concerns about his DEI record and leadership decisions. Governor Ron DeSantis, who appointed most members of the board, expressed disapproval of Ono's views but did not officially oppose the nomination. This rejection marks the first time in the board's 22-year history that it has overturned a university presidential selection, forcing the University of Florida to restart its search for a new president amid rising political scrutiny of higher education in Florida. Ono has stated that his views on DEI have evolved, but the board's decision underscores the growing influence of conservative politics on academic leadership appointments.