A public university in Florida that Gov. Ron DeSantis is trying remake in the image of a private Christian school appears poised to oust the general counsel, David Smolker, after he refused to open a meeting with a prayer.

DeSantis, a conservative Republican, on Jan. 6 appointed six new trustees to the board of trustees of the liberal arts-oriented New College of Florida in Sarasota, a move that tilts the board sharply conservative.