Manny Diaz

Florida's former education commissioner emphasizes listening, continuity and workforce goals as he takes over the leadership at the University of West Florida.

Manny Diaz, who DeSantis previously appointed to be his state commissioner of education, started his first day on the job Monday as the interim president of the University of West Florida in Pensacola.

With the appointments approved, five of the state’s 12 public universities will be led by former Republican lawmakers or lobbyists with ties to DeSantis.

Almost 1.8 million Florida K-12 students attended a school of choice during the 2023-24 school year.

Gov. Ron DeSantis recommended the appointment of Deputy Chief of Staff Anastasios Kamoutsas to succeed Manny Diaz Jr., who is now the interim president at the University of West Florida.

Amid criticism, the University of West Florida Board of Trustees voted 8-2 in selecting Manny Díaz Jr. as the school’s interim president.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Manny Diaz have pointed to school choice as a reason that students have improved on the most recent statewide assessment of skill.

The Florida university system’s Board of Governors acknowledged the need to provide help so universities can compete against other schools, but money directed toward academics should not be used.

The news comes almost two years after a universal voucher program took effect in the state.

The State Board of Education approved the changes as Florida challenges a Biden administration rule that would help carry out Title IX.

The new rules spell out that the 1972 law to protect women's rights in schools also applies to sexual orientation and gender identity. Gov. Ron DeSantis says, "We will not comply."

It will require that any “resident of the county who is not the parent or guardian of a student with access to school district materials may not object to more than one material per month.”