College board reverses decision on hiring University of Florida president over DEI concerns

Santa Ono was rejected after questions about his earlier support of DEI initiatives and later disavowal of them

Conservatives on a state college board reversed a decision to hire the experienced academic Santa Ono to lead the University of Florida, despite his efforts to distance himself from previous support for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and past criticism of Donald Trump.

The 10-6 vote followed a contentious meeting of the Florida board of governors on Tuesday when members argued over Ono's record, including accusations he failed to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests last year while he was president of the University of Michigan.