Some in Gator Nation are growling about UF presidential pick Stuart Bell and his positions on DEI

By: Christine Sexton

Outlets: Florida Phoenix

Published: May 19, 2026

Words: 1,155

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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That escalated quickly.

Within hours of the announcement that former University of Alabama President Stuart Bell was chosen by a University of Florida presidential search committee as the one and only finalist to head UF, critics took to social media to call into question the academician’s 40-year career and position on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

“WOW — major red flags here,” Lake County Commissioner and former state Rep. Anthony Sabatini wrote on X and …

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