Former UM President Santa Ono's abrupt departure from the University of Michigan and emergence as the sole finalist for the University of Florida presidency comes at a time when his leadership is under intense scrutiny.
His tenure at Michigan has been marked by high-profile controversies, from his handling of pro-Palestinian protests to athletic department scandals and the politically charged decision to dismantle the university's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office.
While Ono used his exclusive op-ed to highlight alignment with Florida’s leadership and a shift toward merit-based education, critics point to his avoidance of pressing controversies in his exit message. The lawsuits related to protester dismissals, the fallout from the Matt Weiss hacking case, and backlash over DEI cuts signal growing unrest within the Michigan community. Meanwhile, his rhetoric now mirrors that of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and conservative activist Christopher Rufo, positioning Ono as a potentially ideologically aligned figure for a state actively reshaping higher education in a conservative image.
The move from Michigan—a historically liberal institution—to Florida—a national focal point in the debate over academic freedom, DEI, and free speech—may reflect not just career ambition but also an ideological recalibration. Whether this shift brings stability to UF, which is still reeling from the abrupt resignation of Ben Sasse, remains to be seen.
Pro-Palestinian Protester Lawsuits
In May 2024, a pro-Palestinian protest encampment at the University of Michigan's Diag was cleared by police due to safety concerns. Subsequently, seven protesters were arrested. However, in May 2025, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel dropped all charges against these individuals, citing prolonged delays and accusations of bias that had created a "circus-like atmosphere." Defense attorneys had previously alleged that Nessel's involvement was influenced by political and financial ties to university regents advocating for prosecutions .AP News+1The Guardian+1The Guardian
Despite the dismissal of charges, the university faced criticism for its handling of the protests, including allegations of retaliatory actions against employees involved in the demonstrations.
Matt Weiss Hacking Scandal
Former University of Michigan assistant football coach Matt Weiss has been indicted on 14 counts of unauthorized computer access and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft. Between 2015 and 2023, Weiss allegedly accessed the personal accounts of over 3,300 individuals, primarily targeting female college athletes, to obtain intimate photos and videos. The alleged breaches involved data from more than 100 colleges and universities, facilitated through a third-party vendor, Keffer Development Services .https://www.wsfa.com+11 People.com+11 AP News+ 11People.com+7 https ://www.wsfa.com+7 ESPN.com+7
The University of Michigan has been named in multiple lawsuits filed by victims, who allege institutional negligence and a failure to adequately supervise Weiss. The lawsuits seek over $100 million in damages.
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Closure of DEI Office
In March 2025, Santa Ono announced the closure of the university's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office. This decision was part of a broader initiative to redirect resources toward academic support and merit-based achievement. Ono stated that while he supported the original intent of DEI—ensuring equal opportunity and fairness for every student—the initiative had evolved into a focus on ideology, division, and bureaucracy, rather than student success. The move was met with objections from some constituents, including students and faculty members, who viewed it as a step backward in promoting inclusivity. Axios
Have these controversies raised questions about Santa Ono's leadership and the direction he intends to take at the University of Florida, especially as the institution navigates its challenges in higher education.
