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 Jr Sen. RiRick 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