WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement as the Florida Board of Governors is set to consider Santa Ono’s nomination as University of Florida (UF)’s president.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I have serious concerns about Santa Ono’s nomination to be the president of the University of Florida and every single member of the Florida Board of Governors should be demanding answers right now. UF is a world-renowned institution and our state’s flagship university that has set a gold standard for fighting antisemitism and protecting Jewish students, and its leadership must follow suit. Clearly, Ono has a concerning record from his time at the University of Michigan, where he allowed an illegal, pro-terrorist encampment to take over the campus for nearly a month, putting Jewish students in danger and failing to uphold even the most basic standards of leadership. He also has a record of embracing divisive and radical DEI policies, showing he is willing to appease and prioritize far-left activists over ensuring students are protected and receive a quality education. At a time of rising antisemitism across the country and the world, UF needs and deserves a president who will stand strong against hate, antisemitism and divisive policies, and stand with our Jewish students. Any potential president at the school must fully commit to doing so – publicly and proactively.”

As the Board of Governors considers Ono’s nomination, Senator Scott is demanding answers to the following:

1. During Ono’s tenure at the University of Michigan, he allowed issues to persist and reportedly stood by while a pro-terrorist encampment occupied the campus for an entire month. What specific actions would Ono take proactively to combat antisemitism?
2. How will Ono ensure the protection of Jewish students and effectively address the rise of antisemitism on college campuses, particularly considering the increase observed during his presidency at Michigan?
3. What changes will Ono implement compared to his time at Michigan, where divisive DEI policies were pushed and hate speech was permitted to go unchecked on his campus? 

###