Florida Governor Rejects Santa Ono as University of Florida President Amid DEI Controversy. The Florida Board of Governors overturned the University of Florida's unanimous selection of Santa Ono, citing conservative criticism of his support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This unprecedented reversal restarts the presidential search
Florida Governor's Board Rejects University of Florida President-Elect Santa Ono. The 10-6 vote against Ono, former University of Michigan president, overturns the unanimous May decision by the University of Florida Board of Trustees. This unprecedented reversal follows conservative criticism of Ono's support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The search for a new University of Florida president will now resume
The University of Florida presidency search begins anew after the Board of Governors rejected Santa Ono's appointment
Florida's rejection of Santa Ono as University of Florida president stemmed from his proposed contract's controversial ideological stipulations. These included evaluating his record on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, cooperating with Governor DeSantis's Office of Government Efficiency (modeled after President Trump's), and appointing officials aligned with Florida's conservative approach. Conservative critics raised concerns about his past support for DEI programs, climate action, and other initiatives, ultimately leading to the Board of Governors' rejection
Santa Ono's nomination for University of Florida president faced opposition from conservative critics who questioned his stances on DEI initiatives, climate change, gender ideology, pro-Palestinian activism, and past academic roles at the University of Michigan and other institutions. This opposition ultimately led to the Florida Board of Governors rejecting his appointment
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' rejection of Santa Ono as University of Florida president sparks outrage among Republicans. Senator Rick Scott and other prominent conservatives, including Donald Trump Jr. and Representatives Byron Donalds, Greg Steube, and Jimmy Patronis, criticized Ono's support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, deeming them unacceptable liberal ideology. This unprecedented reversal of the University of Florida Board of Trustees' unanimous approval reignites the debate over DEI programs in higher education
University of Florida president nominee Santa Ono's candidacy was rejected due to his past support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Ono, previously president of the University of Michigan, publicly stated his initial support for DEI stemmed from a commitment to equal opportunity and fairness for all students. This stance, however, became a point of contention with Florida's conservative political climate
Former University of Michigan President Santa Ono's Florida presidential bid failed due to conservative criticism of his DEI initiatives. Ono stated that his experience led him to prioritize student success over what he perceived as ideological and bureaucratic DEI programs, ultimately aligning his views with Florida's higher education vision. This decision highlights the ongoing political debate surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed reservations about University of Michigan President Santa Ono's appointment to the University of Florida presidency, citing concerns over Ono's past support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. While DeSantis didn't publicly oppose Ono directly, he stated that some of Ono's comments caused him discomfort. The Florida Board of Governors subsequently rejected Ono's appointment
Facing pointed questions from Florida Republicans, including former House Speakers Paul Renner and Jose Oliva, regarding his DEI initiatives and other stances, University of Florida presidential candidate Santa Ono's appointment was rejected by the Board of Governors. Board member Charles Lydecker voiced opposition to the questioning process itself
University of Florida president candidate Santa Ono's rejection: "This process feels unfair," he stated, criticizing the board's decision as an inappropriate interrogation rather than a fair legal process. The decision highlights concerns over DEI initiatives and political ideology in higher education
Controversy surrounds Santa Ono's Florida presidential bid rejection. Critics questioned the alignment of his past outspoken advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and other progressive stances with his more conservative approach sought for the University of Florida presidency
University of Florida Rejects Presidential Candidate Santa Ono Amidst Ideological Concerns: The Florida Board of Governors overturned the unanimous selection of Santa Ono as University of Florida president, citing concerns over his support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Critics questioned his alignment with the state's conservative policies, sparking debate over ideological priorities in higher education leadership
Following the Florida Board of Governors' rejection of Santa Ono as University of Florida president, X user Steube lauded the board's decision
Florida Congressman Condemns Ono's Rejected UF Presidency: Board Rejects University of Florida Presidential Candidate Amid DEI Controversy
Ono was to replace Kent Fuchs, who became the school’s temporary, interim president last summer after ex-U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse stepped down. Sasse left the U.S. Senate, where he had represented Nebraska, to become the university’s president in 2023.
Sasse announced in July he was leaving the job after his wife was diagnosed with epilepsy.
Later reports surfaced that Sasse gave six former staffers and two former Republican officials jobs with salaries that outstripped comparable positions and spent over $1.3 million on private catering for lavish dinners, football tailgates and extravagant social functions in his first year on the job.
Ono is also the former president of the University of British Columbia and the University of Cincinnati.
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