Florida Board of Governors Reject Santa J. Ono As University of Florida President

The University of Florida Presidential Search Committee has unanimously recommended Santa J. Ono, Ph.D., to be considered by its Board of Trustees as the sole finalist to become the University’s 14th president. Credit: University of Florida

ORLANDO, Florida – During its meeting in Orlando on Tuesday, the Florida Board of Governors voted voted 10–6 against Santa J. Ono, Ph.D. becoming the next President of the University of Florida, the Miami Herald reported.

Dr. Ono had been unanimously recommended by UF’s Presidential Search Committee and his selection was approved by UF’s Board of Trustees to become the University’s 14th president.

But Ono faced backlash from Republicans who felt he was too pro-diversity, equity and inclusion and woke.

“This is the right decision for @UF. UF’s students, faculty, and staff deserve a president who will stand for Florida values and against antisemitism,” U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) posted on X.

Dr. Ono was also questioned by the 17-member Board of Governors about his stance on antisemitism, the Gainesville Sun reported.

“@UF sets the benchmark for education nationwide. There’s too much smoke with Santa Ono. We need a leader, not a DEI acolyte. Leave the Ann Arbor thinking in Ann Arbor,” Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis posted on X.