A candidate for the role of the University of Florida’s next leader has been rejected over his past support for radical “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI).
In a strong stand against ideological influence and failed leadership, the Florida Board of Governors voted 10–6 to reject Dr. Santa Ono’s nomination.
His bid to lead the University of Florida was rejected despite his recent pledge to end far-left DEI programs.
Dr. Ono, an immunologist and the only finalist presented by the UF Board of Trustees, had pledged in his opening statement:
“I support fully the decision to end DEI.
“I’m here to ensure DEI never returns to the University of Florida.
“Science will lead, not ideology.
“I want to come to Florida, not to slow reform, but to accelerate it.
“Public universities exist to educate, not indoctrinate.”
However, members of the Board of Governors weren’t convinced by his sudden new stance.
They grilled Ono on his troubling track record, including his tenure at the University of Michigan.
At the Michigan school, anti-Semitic, pro-Hamas, and anti-Israel demonstrations went unchecked for nearly a month.
Critics also pointed to Ono’s past support of DEI programs and failure to uphold safety and leadership standards for Jewish students.
Chris Rufo, conservative education reformer and trustee at New College of Florida, stood among Ono’s vocal critics.
Republican Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) praised the Board’s decision.
Steube stated that the state needs a university leader who “truly represents Florida values.”
He had previously called on the Board to reject Ono’s bid.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) echoed that concern, stating:
“A concerning record from his time at the University of Michigan, where he allowed an illegal, pro-terrorist encampment to take over the campus for nearly a month, putting Jewish students in danger and failing to uphold even the most basic standards of leadership.”
The Board’s vote is part of a broader movement led by Gov. Ron DeSantis to overhaul Florida’s public education system.
DeSantis has been cracking down on progressive ideology and DEI-driven policies in state universities.
Florida has made clear it’s serious about rooting out failed academic leadership, defending student safety, and restoring a focus on merit, science, and true education.
Leftist indoctrination has no place in the state.
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