The Florida Board of Governors voted Tuesday against the confirmation of former University of Michigan President Santa Ono as the University of Florida's next president, blocking the incoming UF president selection for the first time in its history amid sharp criticism from conservatives.

The board, which oversees the state's universities, voted 10-6 against Ono following an hours-long meeting during which the governors grilled the former UM leader about hot-button topics, including diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and gender-affirming care during his tenure in Michigan. In late March, Ono immediately shut down two DEI offices at Michigan and an effort dedicated to DEI, shifting the resources to other student programs.

The board's rejection came after the University of Fl

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