Above video: Desantis discusses the ranking of state religious freedom in Sarasota
TALHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Another former Republican MP and alliance of Gov. Ron de Santis is officially adopting the helm of one of Florida’s public universities.
Manny Diaz, whose former DeSantis was appointed as his state board of education, began his first day with Monday’s work as interim president of the University of West Florida in Pensacola.
Diaz is a former social studies teacher and as a state legislator, he became one of the leading architects to expand Florida’s recent charter schools.
He will lead the school interim, and university leaders are looking for job hunting and are expected to pursue a lasting position.
“We are honored to step into this role and lead the University of West Florida to the next chapter. UWF has a proud heritage and a promising future. We look forward to continuing to gain momentum together with our students, faculty, staff and community partners,” Diaz said in a statement. “Together, we will advance and explore new opportunities to serve our community and serve our state of excellence.”
Diaz’s appointment will lead five of the state’s 12 public universities to be led by former Republican lawmakers or lobbyists.
Speaking at a press conference Monday, DeSantis said the appointment of Diaz, who leads UWF, resembles Pick, another former education committee member who leads New College in Florida.
“I think there’s a lot of possibilities out there,” DeSantis said of UWF.
The recent decision to appoint DeSantis’ more conservative members to the school’s board has sparked controversy.
Supporters of the push to advance lawmakers over traditional academic leaders say it gives schools political capital to secure vital state funding and navigate a rapidly changing legal environment. Critics see it as another indication that partnership with the governor’s conservative education agenda has become a prerequisite for leading state public universities.
Last month, the State University Systems Commission rejected the long-standing academic as the University of Florida’s next president amid a keen criticism from political conservatives over candidates’ past support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs. UF is considered one of the nation’s top public research universities, but is still looking for a permanent president.
Leading the University of Florida typically comes with at least six figures salary and a multi-year contract for luxurious campus residences. These leader selection processes occur primarily behind closed doors, creating what the state Republican House Speaker calls the “predatory system of a select few.”
