UF President: Santa Ono Rejected – Florida Vote
- The Florida Board of Governors has rejected Dr.Santa Ono's candidacy for president of the University of florida, marking a rare instance of the board overturning a recommendation.
- Ono, an immunologist, had pledged to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at the university.
- Greg Steube also applauded the board's decision, advocating for a candidate who "truly represents Florida values." Sen.
The Florida Board of Governors delivered a stunning rejection of Dr. Santa Ono’s bid to become the next president of the University of Florida,citing concerns over his past stances on DEI and handling of anti-Israel protests. This unprecedented move highlights escalating tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, with figures like Florida Rep. Greg Steube and Sen. Rick Scott voicing strong opposition. The board’s decision, a 10-6 vote against Ono, reflects a broader effort by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to reshape the state’s education system, challenging what he views as “woke ideology.” The university must now resume its presidential search. Visit News Directory 3 for further updates. Discover what’s next for the University of Florida.
Florida Board Rejects Santa Ono as University of Florida President
The Florida Board of Governors has rejected Dr.Santa Ono’s candidacy for president of the University of florida,
marking a rare instance of the board overturning a recommendation. The 10-6 vote against Ono followed scrutiny
regarding his past leadership and positions on key issues.
Ono, an immunologist, had pledged to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at the university.
However, board members questioned his record, particularly his handling of antisemitism and anti-Israel
demonstrations during his tenure as president of the University of Michigan. Critics like Chris Rufo, a trustee
at the New College of Florida, voiced strong opposition.
florida Rep. Greg Steube also applauded the board’s decision, advocating for a candidate who “truly represents
Florida values.” Sen. Rick Scott echoed these concerns, citing Ono’s “concerning record” at the University of
Michigan, where Scott said Ono allowed a pro-terrorist encampment that endangered Jewish students.
The decision comes amid a broader effort by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to reshape the state’s education system by
combating what he calls “woke ideology.” The rejection of Ono underscores the ongoing debate surrounding DEI
initiatives and their role in higher education.
“I support fully the decision to end DEI. I’m here to ensure DEI never returns to the University of Florida.
Science will lead, not ideology. I wont to come to Florida, not to slow reform, but to accelerate it. Public
universities exist to educate, not indoctrinate.”
What’s next
The University of Florida will now resume its search for a new president, seeking a candidate aligned with the
state’s vision for higher education and its stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion.