Lawmakers pause higher ed bill that would make presidential searches more transparent
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University of Florida UF
Did the Governor's veto threat kill the bill?

A bill (SB 1726) to make university presidential searches more transparent has been temporarily postponed on the Senate floor.

Gov. Ron DeSantis previously warned that he is against the proposal and would veto it if the bill was sent to his desk. But that didn’t stop the companion measure (HB 1321) from clearing the House with a 104-8 vote April 16.

The bill would make all presidential candidates — not just the finalists — public during searches at Florida’s universities and two-year state colleges.

The bill would repeal a 2022 law making the candidates’ applications exempt from public record. Lawmakers previously argued that applicants needed to be shielded in order for schools to get good candidates, as no one wants their employer to find out they’re looking for other jobs.

After the law was changed, the University of Florida’s 2022 presidential search ended up with only one infamous finalist — Ben Sasse.

Sasse later resigned, citing his wife’s health. Additional media reports revealed Sasse spent millions of dollars on lavish parties and hired GOP allies to work remotely for UF with cushy salaries.

The bill also would make several changes, including establishing term limits for members of the state education boards. It would no longer require the Florida Board of Governors’ vote for confirming a university’s new President, leaving that decision solely with the school’s Board of Trustees.

The House bill’s sponsor, Rep. Michelle Salzman, argued the legislation isn’t aimed at DeSantis or Sasse but is about good governance and making Florida school more transparent.

DeSantis has clashed with House Republicans in growing tensions over immigration policy, the budget and Hope Florida in recent months.

DeSantis threatened to veto any legislation that would take the Governor’s Office out of college searches and complained the House GOP “do not want elected officials to hold universities accountable.”

Gabrielle Russon

Gabrielle Russon is an award-winning journalist based in Orlando. She covered the business of theme parks for the Orlando Sentinel. Her previous newspaper stops include the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Toledo Blade, Kalamazoo Gazette and Elkhart Truth as well as an internship covering the nation’s capital for the Chicago Tribune. For fun, she runs marathons. She gets her training from chasing a toddler around. Contact her at [email protected] or on Twitter @GabrielleRusson .


2 comments

  • Authoritarian much?

    May 1, 2025 at 8:32 pm

    This governor’s office in particular belongs nowhere near higher education, presidential searches especially.

    Reply

  • SuzyQ

    May 2, 2025 at 12:23 am

    America’s Governor continues to excercise bold leadership over the free state of Florida. We’re truly blessed to be guided by the greatest governor in our history.

    Reply

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