Santa Ono Declined University of Florida Presidency Following Conservative Opposition

In a surprising turn of events, Florida’s top higher education board voted against a contract for Santa Ono, who was poised to become the next president of the University of Florida. This decision arose amid escalating opposition from right-leaning factions regarding Ono’s past remarks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), Covid-19, and transgender rights. Under Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida has positioned itself as a leader in the national conservative movement.

However, the rejection of Ono, a former president of the University of Michigan, has placed DeSantis in a complicated political situation. This outcome is particularly striking in the state’s Republican landscape, which is typically marked by a strong influence from donors and key figures who often dictate outcomes. Mori Hosseini, a billionaire and the chair of the University of Florida Board of Trustees, had been a significant supporter of Ono.

Meanwhile, national conservatives like Christopher Rufo and Congressman Byron Donalds criticized Ono’s alignment with DEI principles, arguing this disqualified him from leading the flagship university. Donald Trump Jr. voiced his outrage on social media, questioning the board’s decision-making and urging members to vote against Ono. During a lengthy hearing, Ono attempted to clarify his stance on various contentious issues, stating he had “evolved” in his views.

Despite his efforts, the Board of Governors ultimately rejected him in a 10-6 vote, with notable opposition coming from allies of DeSantis. Sources indicate that while DeSantis initially backed Ono, national conservative backlash may have compelled him to withdraw his public support. As the political dynamics shifted, DeSantis’ team quietly explored ways to bolster Ono’s candidacy, even as the governor’s operations later claimed victory after Ono’s rejection.

Ultimately, conservative figures like Donalds applauded the board’s decision, emphasizing a need to champion traditional values within Florida’s educational system. The contentious meeting highlighted the growing influence of conservative ideologies in shaping the leadership of academic institutions in the state.