University President Apologizes for Racial Remark, to Keep Job

After nearly being fired for referring to his new boss as an “Oreo,” the president of the University of Florida got to keep his job Tuesday by apologizing and agreeing to six months of probation.

John Lombardi, president of Florida’s 42,000-student flagship university since 1990, will be closely watched by three members of the Board of Regents.

The board had come under intense pressure from alumni and legislators who supported the popular educator. The agreement that let him keep his job was worked out with help from the man he had insulted.

During a Christmas party at Lombardi’s house in Gainesville, he described incoming university system Chancellor Adam Herbert, who is black, as an “Oreo.” Lombardi, who is white, said Herbert could effectively deal with whites because he was “black on the outside and white on the inside.”

Lombardi apologized Tuesday at a public regents meeting attended by lawmakers and prominent alumni.

“I have not lived up to the standards that the board expects of its presidents,” the 55-year-old Lombardi said. “For that failing, I apologize to all of you.”

Regents Chairman Steve Uhlfelder had moved to fire Lombardi earlier this month.

However, Herbert, who was officially installed as chancellor Jan. 19, recommended that Lombardi keep the job. Legislators and alumni came to Lombardi’s defense.