Those who voted against Ono pointed to what they described as substantive concerns to his record and responses during a tense, hours-long interview. Board members cited his reversal on diversity and climate change initiatives, and his delayed response to antisemitism during his tenures at University of Michigan and University of British Columbia.

Ono’s treatment has raised questions about the state’s ability to draw high-profile candidates in future presidential searches.

Florida’s university leaders on Tuesday blocked Santa Ono from becoming the University of Florida’s president after a weeks-long campaign against him by conservative commentators.