Santa Ono rejected for University of Florida presidency amid political backlash

Santa Ono rejected by University of Florida Board of Governors
Santa Ono, the former president of the University of Michigan, will not become the next president of the University of Florida following a vote by the Florida Board of Governors on June 3. The decision followed criticism from conservative voices in Florida and beyond concerning Ono's record on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and campus protests during his time in Ann Arbor.

Initial support reversed by Board over DEI and protest response
Ono had previously received unanimous backing from the University of Florida Board of Trustees, including an offer for a five-year contract worth up to $15 million. However, the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state’s 12 public universities, reversed course. Critics cited concerns about Ono’s past support of DEI initiatives and his handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the University of Michigan.


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The criticism intensified as Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott publicly opposed the nomination. In a June 2 post on X, Scott said Ono allowed what he described as an "illegal, pro-terrorist encampment" to remain on the U-M campus for nearly a month. He added that Ono’s DEI-related policies were divisive and prioritized activism over student safety and educational quality.

University of Michigan DEI cuts, federal scrutiny preceded rejection
In March, Ono announced the closure of U-M's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The redirected funds were planned for the Go Blue Guarantee, a tuition support initiative for in-state students meeting income eligibility. The move was seen as an attempt to align with changing political pressures under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Ono also faced scrutiny from the US Department of Education earlier this year. In February, the administration warned universities against using race as a factor in admissions. By March, 60 universities, including U-M, were under review for what federal officials called inadequate responses to antisemitism. U-M’s removal of a protest encampment in the Diag led to lawsuits and national debate over campus protest policies.

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Ono resigned from the University of Michigan in May after being named the sole finalist for the Florida job. The Free Press was unable to reach him or representatives from U-M for comment on the Florida board’s decision.

Florida presidential search reflects national education trends
The Florida Board of Governors’ rejection of Ono highlights the growing influence of political considerations in presidential searches at public universities. With education policy becoming increasingly polarized, decisions over university leadership are increasingly shaped by issues such as DEI programs, campus free speech, and federal compliance related to civil rights and antisemitism.

Ono’s rejection follows a broader trend in higher education, particularly in states where political leaders have taken strong stances against DEI frameworks. Florida has implemented new regulations targeting DEI initiatives and public university governance, echoing federal efforts to reshape higher education standards and funding priorities.