State board rejects University of Florida pick amid conservative backlash
- Santa Ono's nomination to lead the University of Florida was turned down in a 10-6 vote by the institution's Board of Governors during a meeting in Orlando on Tuesday.
- The vote followed concerns from Florida Republicans about Ono's record on diversity, equity, inclusion, and his handling of an encampment at the University of Michigan.
- Santa J. Ono held the position of president at the University of Michigan from late 2022 until mid-2025, during which time he initially endorsed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives but eventually shut down related offices and redirected efforts toward supporting academics.
- His proposed contract with UF included a $1.5 million base salary plus bonuses and retirement contributions totaling about $3 million annually, fueling demands for transparency.
- The rejection highlights political divides over campus ideology in Florida and may prompt the UF Board of Trustees to restart the presidential search.
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UF president pick rejected
TALLAHASSEE — After a coordinated campaign by conservatives attacking his “evolution” on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, a divided state university system Board of Governors on Tuesday blocked Santa Ono from becoming the University of Florida’s next president.
·Florida, United States
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Total News Sources99
Leaning Left27Leaning Right24Center33Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Center
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources are Center
39% Center
L 32%
C 39%
R 29%
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