Story perspectives

UF Appoints Stuart Bell, Vows No DEI, Awaiting Ratification

6/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

UF Board of Trustees appointed Stuart R. Bell as 14th president on June 10, 2026, pending Board of Governors approval.
Bell, former University of Alabama chief, pledged merit-based policies and will not reinstate DEI programs at UF.
U.S. Senator Rick Scott criticized search and questioned Bell’s DEI record, while Governor Ron DeSantis supported appointment.
Board of Governors will vote on Bell’s ratification June 24-25, testing the board after last year’s rejected nominee.

History

Historical Context

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Stop WOKE Act on April 22, 2022, after the Florida Senate approved it 22-17. The law follows the 2021 Florida State Board’s ban on critical-race theory and the parallel Parental Rights in Education Act, reflecting a nationwide Republican push to limit race and LGBTQ curricula.

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Story summary

UF Board of Trustees appointed Stuart R. Bell as 14th president on June 10, 2026, pending Board of Governors approval.
Bell, former University of Alabama chief, pledged merit-based policies and will not reinstate DEI programs at UF.
U.S. Senator Rick Scott criticized search and questioned Bell’s DEI record, while Governor Ron DeSantis supported appointment.
Board of Governors will vote on Bell’s ratification June 24-25, testing the board after last year’s rejected nominee.

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