The academic world reeled this week as Santa Ono, the former University of Michigan president, faced rejection for the coveted role of University of Florida president. On June 3, 2025, the Florida Board of Governors voted 10-6 against confirming Ono, overturning a unanimous approval by the University of Florida’s Board of Trustees just days earlier. This unprecedented decision, driven by conservative backlash over Ono’s past support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, has sparked heated debates about ideology in higher education. Ono’s rejection marks a pivotal moment, raising questions about the future of university leadership in politically charged climates.
Why Was Ono Florida President Pick?
Santa Ono, a seasoned academic leader, seemed like a strong candidate for the University of Florida presidency. Born to Japanese immigrant parents in Vancouver, he brought a wealth of experience from leading the University of British Columbia and the University of Cincinnati before his three-year stint at Michigan. The UF Board of Trustees, led by chair Mori Hosseini, praised Ono’s global reputation and operational expertise, believing he could elevate UF’s national rankings. His proposed contract, offering a $1.5 million base salary with potential bonuses up to $15 million over five years, reflected high expectations. Yet, his past advocacy for DEI and handling of campus protests at Michigan became lightning rods for criticism.
Ono had publicly shifted his stance on DEI, closing Michigan’s centralized DEI office in 2024 and redirecting resources to merit-based programs. In a recent opinion piece, he described DEI as having devolved into “ideology, division, and bureaucracy.” Despite this, conservative figures, including U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and Donald Trump Jr., argued his earlier support for progressive policies made him unfit for Florida’s anti-DEI academic landscape. This tension set the stage for a contentious confirmation process.
The Florida Board’s Unprecedented Move
The Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state’s 12 public universities, made history by rejecting Ono’s candidacy, the first such reversal in its 20-year existence. During a three-hour meeting in Orlando, board members, including former House Speaker Jose Oliva, grilled Ono on his past statements about DEI, climate activism, and pro-Palestinian protests at Michigan. Critics accused him of leniency toward protesters, alleging he failed to protect Jewish students. Ono defended his record, citing a measured approach to avoid violence, but his explanations failed to sway the majority.
The vote exposed deep divisions. Some board members, like Charles Lydecker, called the process unfair, arguing it resembled an interrogation. Others, like Paul Renner, a former House Speaker who had inquired about the UF job himself, pressed Ono relentlessly. The rejection left UF’s presidential search in disarray, with interim president Kent Fuchs stepping in as the university scrambles to restart the process.
Political Tensions and Conservative Backlash
The saga of Ono as a potential Florida president underscores the growing influence of politics in academia. Florida, under Gov. Ron DeSantis, has led efforts to eliminate DEI programs, passing a 2023 law banning such initiatives in public universities. Prominent conservatives, including Rep. Byron Donalds and activist Christopher Rufo, led a vocal campaign against Ono, labeling him a “woke” ideologue. Social media amplified these sentiments, with posts decrying his past support for progressive causes like antiracism and climate action.
Despite DeSantis’ silence on Ono’s candidacy, his appointees on the Board of Governors shaped the outcome. The decision highlights a broader trend in Florida, where recent university presidents often have ties to the state’s Republican leadership. Ono’s academic pedigree made him an outlier, and his rejection signals that ideological alignment may now outweigh experience in Florida’s higher education system.
What’s Next for Ono and UF?
With Ono out, the University of Florida faces uncertainty. The Presidential Search Advisory Committee must now identify new candidates, a process that could take months. Meanwhile, Ono’s future remains unclear. Having resigned from Michigan in May 2025, he cannot return to his former role, as confirmed by a Michigan regent. His rejection leaves him without a clear path forward, despite his impressive track record.
The controversy surrounding Ono as Florida president reflects broader challenges in balancing academic excellence with political expectations. As universities navigate these divides, the outcome of UF’s next search will be closely watched.
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