Those who voted against Ono pointed to what they described as substantive concerns to his record and responses during a tense, hours-long interview. Board members cited his reversal on diversity and climate change initiatives, and his delayed response to antisemitism during his tenures at University of Michigan and University of British Columbia.

Florida state university leaders voted to reject Santo Ono as president of the University of Florida, following Republican backlash over the former University of Michigan president’s previous support for diversity programs.

The selection of the former UM president faced backlash from GOP leaders over his handling of pro-Palestine encampments and his past support of DEI.