# Conservatives Clash Over Santa Ono Hire at UF

The University of Florida has announced Santa Ono as the sole finalist for its presidency, bringing a wealth of academic and research experience to the role. Ono's appointment has sparked controversy among conservative figures, who are objecting to his candidacy due to concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion programs at Michigan.

As the sole finalist for the University of Florida presidency, Santa Ono is an outlier in a state where Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has been pushing to limit diversity initiatives. However, some members of the Florida Board of Governors have thrown their support behind Ono, urging fellow conservatives to give him a chance to tell his story.

Ono's appointment has raised questions about his ability to navigate the complexities of higher education in Florida, where conservative politicians have been vocal about their opposition to diversity initiatives. Despite these concerns, Ono argues that he can bring a "clearity of purpose" to the University of Florida, and that he is committed to rejecting "ideological capture" and renewing an emphasis on merit.

Ono's tenure as president of the University of Michigan has been marked by controversy, including criticism for his handling of pro-Palestinian protests and the shutdown of the university's DEI office. However, in an op-ed shared exclusively with Inside Higher Ed, Ono argued that he made the decision to eliminate centralized DEI offices because it was "necessary," citing a desire to redirect resources toward academic support and merit-based achievement.

As Ono exits Michigan, he leaves behind several controversies, including lawsuits filed by former employees who were allegedly fired for engaging in pro-Palestinian protests. Despite these challenges, Ono remains optimistic about the potential at the University of Florida, emphasizing his belief "in Florida's vision for higher education" and UF's leadership.

## Background on Santa Ono

Santa Ono is a renowned academic and researcher with a strong background in computer science and engineering. He served as president of the University of Michigan from 2014 to 2023, where he implemented various initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

During his tenure, Ono faced criticism for his handling of pro-Palestinian protests on campus, including allegations that he fired employees who were involved in pro-Palestinian activities. He also shut down the university's DEI office in March 2023, despite objections from constituents.

Despite these controversies, Ono argues that he is committed to rejecting "ideological capture" and renewing an emphasis on merit, and that he believes he can bring a "clearity of purpose" to the University of Florida.

## Governor DeSantis's Role

Governor Ron DeSantis has been vocal about his opposition to diversity initiatives, and has pushed to limit their scope in Florida. As the governor who will be overseeing Ono's appointment, DeSantis has the power to upend presidential searches if he objects to the candidate.

In recent months, DeSantis has ordered UF's hiring effort to restart after his office took issue with DEI statements from candidates. This move has sparked concerns among some members of the Florida Board of Governors, who have expressed support for Ono and urged fellow conservatives to give him a chance.

## Criticism from Conservative Figures

Some conservative figures, including Chris Rufo, have criticized Ono's candidacy due to his handling of pro-Palestinian protests and the shutdown of the university's DEI office. Rufo has pushed for stricter limits on diversity initiatives, and has accused Ono of being too soft on campus activism.

However, other members of the Florida Board of Governors, including Alan Levine, have expressed support for Ono and urged fellow conservatives to give him a chance. Levine argues that there is more to Ono's story than what is currently known, and that he should be given the opportunity to explain himself.

## Conclusion

The appointment of Santa Ono as the sole finalist for the University of Florida presidency has sparked controversy among conservative figures, who are objecting to his candidacy due to concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion programs at Michigan. However, some members of the Florida Board of Governors have thrown their support behind Ono, urging fellow conservatives to give him a chance to tell his story.

As Ono exits Michigan, he leaves behind several controversies, including lawsuits filed by former employees who were allegedly fired for engaging in pro-Palestinian protests. Despite these challenges, Ono remains optimistic about the potential at the University of Florida, emphasizing his belief "in Florida's vision for higher education" and UF's leadership.

The appointment of Ono as president of the University of Florida will have significant implications for the institution, particularly given the state's conservative politics. As the debate over Ono's candidacy continues, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to navigate the complexities of higher education in Florida with success.