Board Votes Against Santa Ono as UF President Amid Conservative Protest
The state’s Board of Governors voted 10 to 6 to deny Ono’s appointment as UF’s 14th president. It was the first time the board had ever voted against a university’s presidential selection.
Background of the Vote
Florida’s higher education board late Tuesday voted against confirming Santa Ono as the next president of the University of Florida after questioning Ono during an intense hours-long meeting about his views on diversity, equity and inclusion programs and his handling of campus protests. Neither Ono, the chair of UF’s board of trustees — which had previously unanimously approved Ono — nor a university representative would comment after the meeting. Ono is now presumably out of a job, as he stepped down as the University of Michigan’s president to take the job at UF.
Reaction to the Vote
The board’s “no” vote was met with audible gasps and expression of shock from UF leaders in attendance. Amanda Phalin, a UF professor and former member of the board of governors, called the decision an “embarrassment” that could hurt the university for decades and make it harder for the state to recruit highly-qualified university leaders. “This portends more politics in the process, and more politicians in the process across the state, and less focus on academics and academic excellence,” said Phalin, who attended the meeting.
Concerns About Ono’s Past Advocacy
But those who voted against Ono were critical of his previous advocacy for DEI policies. “You’ve had a lot what seems to be long-held principles, and then 18 months ago, they kind of all changed,” said board member Aubrey Edge to Ono. The university is now likely headed back to the drawing board to find a new president — a search process that can often take up to a year.
Ono’s Contract and Benefits
If the board had voted yes, Ono would have been under contract through 2030, earning $3 million annually. Ono came from Michigan, a school that Florida’s flagship university has long chased in national rankings. Michigan is ranked third nationally among public universities while UF is ranked 7th.
The Meeting and Ono’s Defense
Tuesday’s meeting, which took place at the University of Central Florida’s downtown Orlando campus, lasted nearly four hours with just one item on the agenda — Ono’s appointment. Ono sat surrounded by members of the board as he defended his record and expressed excitement about leading UF. “It’s a privilege to join an institution that not only pursues excellence, but also sets the national standard for accountability and reform in higher education,” Ono said before the board voted him down.
Ono’s Background and Experience
Ono is a highly respected molecular immunologist who also served as president at the University of British Columbia and University of Cincinnati. UF’s board of trustees selected Ono as the sole finalist for president on May 27, praising his “record of academic excellence” and calling him “the right person to build on UF’s strong foundation.”
Conservative Backlash
But that announcement quickly met with backlash from many conservatives who deemed Ono too progressive for Florida as he had championed diversity, equity and inclusion programs at Michigan before saying he had “evolved” on the issue. Florida has banned DEI, and UF and other state universities have dismantled their programs. Christopher Rufo, a New College of Florida trustee and conservative firebrand, for example, called Ono’s selection a “scandal”, while Donald Trump Jr. dubbed Ono a “woke psycho.”
Ono’s Commitment to Florida’s Agenda
Before the vote, Ono said he fully supports ending DEI programs in higher education and said he would ensure such initiatives never returned to UF. He praised Florida’s direction for higher education and its recent reforms and laid out commitments to keeping the university aligned with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ agenda. “At Florida, you are redefining excellence, anchoring it in truth, merit and purpose. That’s the path forward, and that’s why I’m here before you today,” he said.
Employment Contract and Duties
Ono’s employment contract, first reported by the Miami Herald on Monday, included a list of “duties and responsibilities” that read as if meant to address the concerns of conservative critics — and to make sure he followed DeSantis’ playbook. DeSantis signed the state’s anti-DEI law and has pushed to stamp out “woke” policies in state colleges and universities. Ono, for example, would have had to comply with both Florida and federal efforts to root out “waste, fraud and abuse” in higher education and could only hire a provost and deans who are “firmly aligned” with “Florida’s approach to higher education,” the document says.
Expert Opinion and DeSantis’ Involvement
One expert told the Herald it was an “unusual” list full of what amounts to “loyalty pledges.” DeSantis, a Republican in his second term appointed most of the members of both the UF board and the board of governors, said last week some of Ono’s past statements made him “cringe” but also that those at UF who selected Ono were convinced he believed in “what Florida is doing and our policies,” according to Florida Politics, an online news site.
Support and Opposition to Ono’s Appointment
Before the vote, several UF leaders told the board why they wanted Ono. Mori Hosseini, the chair of UF’s board of trustees and a major DeSantis donor, said Florida was “lucky” that someone of Ono’s prestige wanted to lead one of its universities. Kent Fuchs, who served as UF’s president for nine years and currently serves as its interim president, said it that it was unusual for someone with Ono’s experience and credentials to be available for the job and that the Michigan leader would make an excellent UF president.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Board of Governors’ decision to vote against Santa Ono as the next president of the University of Florida has sparked controversy and debate. The vote was largely driven by conservative concerns over Ono’s past advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. As the university begins its search for a new president, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the future of higher education in Florida.
FAQs
Q: Who is Santa Ono?
A: Santa Ono is a highly respected molecular immunologist who served as president at the University of British Columbia, University of Cincinnati, and University of Michigan.
Q: Why did the Board of Governors vote against Ono’s appointment?
A: The board voted against Ono due to concerns over his past advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, which are banned in Florida.
Q: What happens next for the University of Florida?
A: The university will likely begin a new search for a president, a process that can take up to a year.
Q: How much would Ono have earned as president of UF?
A: Ono would have earned $3 million annually under a contract that would have lasted through 2030.
Q: Who appointed the members of the Board of Governors and the UF board?
A: Governor Ron DeSantis appointed most of the members of both boards.
