Scott, Donalds and Steube Urge Open UF Presidential Search, Want Legislature to Revisit Confidentiality Law

by | Jun 19, 2025

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Sen. Rick Scott and Reps. Byron Donalds and Greg Steube are calling on the University of Florida Board (UF) of Trustees to conduct an open and transparent search for the university’s next president, urging a process that includes multiple candidates and full public access to application and vetting materials.

In a letter sent Wednesday, the lawmakers criticized what they described as a pattern of limited scrutiny enabled by a 2022 state law that allows public universities to shield portions of presidential searches from public view.

The letter comes ahead of what will be UF’s third presidential search in less than three years, following the departure of Ben Sasse, whose 2022 appointment drew controversy for being the result of a closed selection process under the new statute. While the law was designed to attract high-profile candidates who might be deterred by public exposure, Scott, Donalds, and Steube argue that it has instead allowed key decisions to be made with minimal public input or accountability.

“While the new law that took effect in 2022 has merits, it seems that it is being abused by creating an unfair system that allows much of the selection process to be shielded from the public. It is our hope the Florida Legislature reviews how this law has been implemented and considers changes next year.”

Their request also reflects lingering dissatisfaction with the recent consideration of Dr. Santa Ono, who last month was named the sole finalist to become UF’s next president though ultimately voted down in a 10-6 decision by the State University System Board of Governors following questioning in Orlando.

In the letter, the lawmakers cited Ono’s handling of pro-Palestinian protests while serving as president of the University of Michigan, accusing him of failing to protect Jewish students and of allowing illegal encampments to persist on campus. They also criticized his support for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, describing them as divisive and out of step with Florida’s education priorities.

“[Ono] failed to quickly and proactively stand up for Jewish students at the University of Michigan,” the lawmakers wrote. “UF has set a gold standard for fighting antisemitism and protecting Jewish students, and its leadership must follow suit. Ono allowing an illegal, pro-terrorist encampment to take over the University of Michigan campus for nearly a month, putting Jewish students in danger and failing to uphold even the most basic standards of leadership was a complete disqualifier to us.”

The lawmakers further noted that Florida’s public university presidents frequently receive salary packages exceeding $1 million, subsequently arguing that taxpayers, students, and their families should have a role in the process.

“Many of our state’s university presidents are awarded salary packages over $1 million, and the draft contract for Dr. Santa Ono was valued around $3 million. Students, their families, and Florida taxpayers that help fund these compensation packages should have the opportunity to have a role in the selection process.”

UF has not yet announced a formal timeline for its next presidential search.

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