Florida’s Board of Governors voted 10–6 on June 3, 2025, to reject Dr. Santa Ono as president of the University of Florida, despite unanimous approval from the UF Board of Trustees. The decision marks the first time in state history that the board overturned a presidential selection, driven by conservative concerns over Ono’s past support for DEI initiatives, pro-Palestinian protests, climate advocacy, and gender ideology.
Ono, former president of the University of Michigan, Canadian-American and immunologist, pledged to limit DEI spending and align with Governor DeSantis’ education reforms. However, prominent Republicans—including U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. Byron Donalds, and Donald Trump Jr.—opposed his nomination, labeling him a “woke psycho” and questioning his ideological shift. Still, Governor DeSantis declined to publicly endorse Ono, fueling doubts about his nomination.
The confirmation hearing became contentious, with Ono repeatedly grilled on past statements and policies on race-based admissions, DEI, and pro-Palestinian encampments at Michigan. One board member warned the proceeding felt “patently unfair,” comparing it to an interrogation rather than a professional review, while others insisted clarity on his ideological alignment was essential for leadership at Florida’s flagship university.
This rejection forces a restart of the presidential search at UF, leaving the institution under interim leadership and raising questions about higher education governance in the state.
