Overview

• The 17-member Board of Governors voted 10-6 on June 3 to deny Ono’s appointment, marking its first-ever rejection of a presidential pick.
• Critics, including prominent Republican figures, targeted Ono’s history of supporting diversity, equity and inclusion programs, branding him too “woke” for Florida.
• During a nearly four-hour hearing, Ono argued his views had evolved and pledged to end DEI initiatives at UF if confirmed.
• His proposed contract contained loyalty clauses requiring top hires to align with Governor DeSantis’ higher education agenda and efforts to eliminate waste and bureaucracy.
• The board’s decision requires the University of Florida to reopen its presidential search under interim leader Kent Fuchs.