Jacob Ogles
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is calling for the University of Florida to reject its sole finalist for President.
The Naples Republican, who is running for Governor, objected to comments by University of Michigan President Santa Ono that supported diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Fox News played those remarks before having Donalds on to discuss them.
Ono made the comments in an inaugural address at the Michigan university in 2023.
“In January, we released the results of our DEI 1.0 initiative, which made it clear that while we have made progress — and we have — that we still have much more to do,” Ono said at the time. “So as we look to DEI 2.0, let us strive to nurture thoughtful and understanding citizens.”
“Racism is one of America’s original sins, and the University of Michigan has not been immune from participating in racism,” Ono added elsewhere in that speech.
But Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2023 signed legislation shutting down DEI initiatives at Florida’s public universities.
Donalds said the remarks from Ono show he isn’t the right choice to lead a Florida institution.
“I think it’s important for the Board of Trustees at UF to go back and do an evaluation of where they think they are on this one,” Donalds said on Ono. “I will tell you that in Florida — and listen, the Governor’s led on this — we have been clear about DEI not being a pillar of our educational systems in Florida. I fully support the Governor’s position on that.”
He said UF should reverse course and look for a different choice.
“UF needs to go back and figure out somebody else,” he said. “I don’t know this man, but based upon that speech and probably other things he said in the background, it just does not comport with the values of the state of Florida.”
Of note, Ono in a meeting with UF students and faculties voiced support for Florida’s decision to end its DEI programs at the university, according to The Gainesville Sun.
“To me, it’s an American thing to support all students as opposed to just some of the students,” Ono said. “It was my decision, but it was based on data and evidence, and this reallocation of funds allows more students to be given more opportunities.”
10 comments
Michael K
May 7, 2025 at 11:27 am
Welcome to the New Confederacy of Dunces.
Oscar
May 7, 2025 at 11:36 am
Not sure what this has to do with the radical progressive left, but whatever, Michael K.You do realize that the Confederate States of America were almost entirely Democrat run until the 1980s? Try getting out of your parents’ basement once in a while.
PeterH
May 7, 2025 at 4:55 pm
….and that’s why Michael referred to Republicans as THE NEW CONFEDERACY.
Oscar
May 7, 2025 at 11:29 am
Thankfully DEI is dead and buried. University of Michigan President Santa Ono‘s chances of being UF’s president should be as well.
ScienceBLVR
May 7, 2025 at 11:34 am
In January 2021, Donalds voted to object to the certification of electors from Arizona and Pennsylvania in the 2020 presidential election. Donalds said that he did not “personally” believe that President Joe Biden was a “legitimate” president of the United States.
That should make Byron’s chances of being Governor dead and buried
Oscar
May 7, 2025 at 11:42 am
Does your logic apply equally to every Democrat that questioned or disputed election results where they were the LOSER? Logical consistency doesn’t compute to the intellectually and emotionally challenged left.
PeterH
May 7, 2025 at 2:24 pm
The incomprehensible red state objection to any and all reference in America to diversity, equity, and inclusion goes against all common sense; and this Republican pursuit is a deliberate distraction from the continuation of the Republican agenda ….. their failed vision of our economy, government, education and national healthcare.
The fault is not DEI initiatives that are designed and meant to dismantle the division and hate perpetrated by right wing demigods….no the fault is attributable to the MAGA uneducated and the 80 million eligible voters who failed to participate in the 2024 election.
PeterH
May 7, 2025 at 4:53 pm
Will someone tell Donalds to watch The Nickel Boys on Amazon Prime video (historical factual documentary about a 20th Century Florida slave camp) …… it might help him understand why diversity, equity and inclusion are not just a red meat talking point but a common sense strategy to face the injustices perpetrated on American citizens who have never had the opportunity to see a judge and jury.
Bill Pollard
May 7, 2025 at 6:56 pm
Byron Donalds should just stay out of university presidential selection decisions. Let the committee that was chosen by the university decide who should lead the university.
Michael K
May 7, 2025 at 9:21 pm
The New Confederacy is anti-Black , anti- intellectual, and a safe harbor for white supremacists. It is the MAGA Republican Party. The “anti-woke” agenda seeks to destroy decades of civil and human rights, and public education. It spreads lies, fear and division (immigrants are eating your pets).