Santa Ono Rejected as University of Florida President
Former University of Michigan (U-M) President Santa Ono rejected as University of Florida president. Ono faced a major setback when Florida’s Board of Governors officially rejected his nomination as the next president of the University of Florida (UF) on June 3, 2025. This decision ended Ono’s bid to lead one of the largest public university systems in the nation.
Political Backlash Over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies
Ono, who resigned from U-M last month, became a controversial figure due to his vocal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Conservative politicians and activist groups in Florida and across the country criticized his leadership, viewing his policies as too aligned with progressive causes. His approach clashed sharply with the conservative political environment under Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, which increasingly influences public university governance.
The Board of Governors, which oversees the entire University of Florida system including 12 public universities and the flagship Gainesville campus, rejected Ono despite unanimous backing from the UF Board of Trustees. Just a week before the vote, the Trustees endorsed Ono and offered him a lucrative contract that could have paid up to $15 million over five years.
Ono’s Tenure at Michigan: Handling a Polarized Campus Climate
During his presidency at Michigan, Ono navigated multiple politically charged controversies, including protests and federal scrutiny of university policies. In early 2025, the U.S. Department of Education investigated Michigan over alleged inadequate responses to antisemitism, sparked in part by a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the university’s central Diag. Critics, including some Florida lawmakers, argued Ono failed to ensure campus safety and maintain order.
To comply with federal directives during the Trump administration’s second term, Ono closed Michigan’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in March 2025. He redirected resources toward student-focused programs such as the Go Blue Guarantee, which provides free tuition to qualifying Michigan students. However, critics viewed this shift as politically driven and insufficient.
Conservative Criticism and Partisan Politics in University Leadership
Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott publicly denounced Ono’s nomination, highlighting what he called Ono’s “concerning record” on campus safety and DEI policies. In a widely shared social media post, Scott accused Ono of allowing “an illegal, pro-terrorist encampment” to occupy the Michigan campus for nearly a month, allegedly endangering Jewish students. Scott further claimed Ono prioritized “far-left activists” over protecting students and ensuring academic quality.
This episode reflects a larger national debate over academic freedom, university governance, and ideological influence in public education. The UF Board of Governors’ rejection of Ono underscores the growing power of conservative political forces in shaping leadership decisions at public universities, especially in politically charged states like Florida.
What’s Next for Santa Ono and University Leadership?
Ono’s rejection raises questions about his future in higher education leadership and highlights the growing challenges presidents face balancing diversity efforts, campus safety, and political pressures. His departure from Michigan and blocked appointment in Florida illustrate the increasing politicization of university leadership roles.
As Florida continues its search for a new university president, the selection process will likely involve close scrutiny of candidates’ views on DEI, free speech, and campus management. This case also signals a pressing need for universities nationwide to find common ground amid competing political and social demands.
