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Florida Board of Governors Blocks Santa Ono’s Appointment as UF President

Conservative backlash over his past DEI stance prompted a 10-6 vote that requires UF to restart its presidential search

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Overview

  • The Board of Governors voted 10-6 to reject Ono’s appointment, the first time it has ever blocked a presidential nominee
  • Members grilled Ono on his previous support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the University of Michigan and his handling of campus protests
  • Prominent conservatives including Donald Trump JrRick Scott and Rep. Byron Donalds publicly urged governors to oppose Ono’s confirmation
  • Ono pledged to end DEI offices at UF and accepted contractual duties designed to align his leadership with Florida’s higher education reforms
  • Interim president Kent Fuchs will maintain leadership at UF as the board launches a fresh search for a permanent successor