Santa Ono, former president of the University of Michigan, was not approved to become the next president of the University of Florida after the Florida Board of Governors voted 10-6 against his nomination on Tuesday. This came after the University of Florida Board of Trustees had shown unanimous support and offered him a large contract. Ono has also served as president of the University of British Columbia and the University of Cincinnati. Some conservative officials raised concerns about his handling of pro-Palestinian protests and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs while at Michigan. U.S. Senator Rick Scott said he had "serious concerns" about Ono’s ability to lead, pointing to his response to antisemitism and campus protests, as reported by CBS News Detroit.
Santa Ono’s proposed contract with the University of Florida included conditions related to Florida’s political environment. The contract required Ono to work with Governor Ron DeSantis' Office of Government Efficiency and to stop programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as per CBS News Detroit. During the Board of Governors meeting, member Charles Lydecker objected to the way Ono was treated, saying the process should not feel like an interrogation.
Santa Ono’s application for University of Florida president was rejected by the Florida Board of Governors, according to Detroit Free Press. He resigned from the University of Michigan, where no decision has been announced about his future. The University of Florida has restarted its presidential search. Domenico Grasso has been appointed interim president at the University of Michigan. Florida Senator Rick Scott and others are observing the UF leadership selection process.
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