On Monday, the University of Florida (UF) Presidential Search Advisory Committee broke with tradition and made a single recommendation for the post: former University of Alabama (UA) president Stuart Ray Bell.

That decision, however, is being questioned due to Bell's prior strong support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, as well as the process that led to Bell being the only candidate recommended. 

"After a robust and widespread search, our committee has unanimously concluded that Dr. Bell is the best choice to lead the University of Florida," said Rahul Patel, chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, in a statement. "Dr. Bell possesses the qualities that make him a perfect fit for the University of Florida, including strong academic credential and a proven track record of athletic success. With his experience at the helm of a flagship university, fundraising abilities, and deep relationships across higher education, within the Southeastern Conference, and beyond, we are confident Dr. Bell will transition seamlessly into this new role and build on UF's reputation as one of the nation's leading public universities."

"Dr. Bell is an outstanding person and was a great leader at the University of Alabama," former Alabama football coach Nick Saban is quoted as saying in the same statement. "In the locker room after almost every game, he is a good friend and passionate supporter of athletics – and is someone who made a significant impact on the university and the Tuscaloosa community. I know he will do wonderful things in Gainesville!"

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) reposted the announcement with his support for Bell.

"Congrats to Dr. Stuart Bell on being selected by the University of Florida to be the next university president. Dr. Bell did much to elevate the University of Alabama when he was the president in Tuscaloosa and I have no doubt that he will help UF reach new heights during his tenure in Gainesville. He is a great selection and has my full support!" DeSantis wrote in a post on X.

Almost immediately, despite Saban and DeSantis' support, the appointment raised eyebrows given Bell's prior emphasis on DEI taking center stage.

John D. Sailer, the director of higher education policy and a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, took to X to break down Bell's DEI history and how it shaped UA policy.

In one post, Sailer highlighted reporting by 1819 News explaining that the University of Alabama System, under Bell, announced it was rebranding its DEI offices while keeping the same leadership.

SEE: University of Alabama System keeps DEI leadership, rebrands departments after state passes ban

The office was rebranded as the Division of Opportunities, Connections, and Success, led by Dr. Christine Taylor. Taylor is now the associate provost for Academic Affairs.

Some noted that a prior pick for the position was ultimately not chosen due to his previous stance on DEI.

According to The Florida Phoenix, "Bell's name couldn't have been forwarded by the search committee for approval by the UF Board of Trustees without approval by Board of Governors chair and Florida politico Alan Levine."

"There appears to be opposition to the candidate. What I would say to people is, 'You know, let the people have a right to weigh in. They have a right to give their opinion,' "Levine told the outlet.

The Miami Herald reported on the controversy Thursday morning. In an interview with Sailer, the outlet stressed the differences between the prior candidate who was ultimately not chosen and Bell.

"The fight over Santa Ono is top of their mind," Sailer told the outlet. "You don't ask the governor to weigh in immediately unless you think you need to come out swinging."

Sailer told the outlet, "Bell's record is 'totally inconsistent with the reform agenda the governor has championed."

"At best, you've got a conventional candidate who doesn't really add to the prestige of the university," Sailer added. "At worst, you have somebody who's spent a decade approving the very agenda DeSantis has fought against."

The most ominous part of the story for Bell supporters may be the threat that there is "more to come on the 'wok' skeletons in Bell's closet."

The DEI concerns aren't the only challenges facing Bell.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) wrote a letter condemning the secrecy of the process and the financial implications of the university not choosing to put interim president Donald Landry on the finalist selection list alongside Bell.

"Landry's severance pay is in addition to his $2 million base salary and a performance bonus of up to $500,000, bringing his maximum compensation for eight months leading UF to $4.5 million," according to The Gainesville Sun.

The final vote on Bell will take place on June 11.

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