The regents of University of Florida had already offered Ono the gig, and he had accepted. But the larger governing body - the Board of Governors - rejected that plan as pressure mounted from Republican lawmakers and influential voices decried Ono as too liberal.

At the meeting on June 3, 2025, the members of the Board of Governors peppered Ono with questions about his record of support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. DEI programs have become a target of the Republican Party under President Donald Trump. Ono halted DEI programs at U-M after Trump took office this year.

Ono told the board members this week that he stood by his decision to walk away from DEI.

"My evolution over the past 18 months or more... has really focused on my personal experience seeing DEI programs - that were started with all good intensions - what impact they've had on campuses," said Ono.

Board members also pushed on Ono's handling of pro-Palestinian campus protests, and questioned whether he came out with enough forceful support of Israel in the days after the Oct. 7th attack in 2023. Conversely, many pro-Palestinian supporters on campus and in Ann Arbor railed against Ono while president at U-M for being too supportive of Israel and for continuing university investment in Israeli businesses.

The Florida Board of Governors rejected Ono's appointment by a 10-6 vote. It's unclear what Ono will do now.

His departure from U-M came after three difficult years, in which the university was challenged on multiple fronts.

The reason and manner of Florida’s apparent rejection are also historic, and say a lot about this moment.

Today, we’ve invited back Jamal Watson, editor of the online journal, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education to explain what happened and what's next for Ono.

Watson is also a Professor of Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Trinity Washington University.

The regents of University of Florida had already offered Ono the gig, and he had accepted. But the larger governing body - the Board of Governors - rejected that plan as pressure mounted from Republican lawmakers and influential voices decried Ono as too liberal.
At the meeting on June 3, 2025, the members of the Board of Governors peppered Ono with questions about his record of support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. DEI programs have become a target of the Republican Party under President Donald Trump. Ono halted DEI programs at U-M after Trump took office this year.
Ono told the board members this week that he stood by his decision to walk away from DEI.
"My evolution over the past 18 months or more... has really focused on my personal experience seeing DEI programs - that were started with all good intensions - what impact they've had on campuses," said Ono.
Board members also pushed on Ono's handling of pro-Palestinian campus protests, and questioned whether he came out with enough forceful support of Israel in the days after the Oct. 7th attack in 2023. Conversely, many pro-Palestinian supporters on campus and in Ann Arbor railed against Ono while president at U-M for being too supportive of Israel and for continuing university investment in Israeli businesses.
The Florida Board of Governors rejected Ono's appointment by a 10-6 vote. It's unclear what Ono will do now.
His departure from U-M came after three difficult years, in which the university was challenged on multiple fronts.
The reason and manner of Florida&rsquo;s apparent rejection are also historic, and say a lot about this moment.
Today, we&rsquo;ve invited back Jamal Watson, editor of the online journal, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education to explain what happened and what's next for Ono.
Watson is also a Professor of Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Trinity Washington University.

Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.

To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.
To share a story or submit your questions, head to <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund