A visiting professor at the University of Tampa was fired after tweeting that the floods, damage and destruction from Hurricane Harvey in Texas was “instant karma” for how the state voted in the 2016 election, the Washington Post reports.
“I don’t believe in instant Karma but this kinda feels like it for Texas,” Kenneth L. Storey, a sociology professor, tweeted on Sunday. “Hopefully this will help them realize the GOP doesn’t care about them.”
Not a good look, Ken.
Say what you want about a state’s politics, but with at least 9 people confirmed dead and a so-far hard to gauge level of devastation from the storm, the comments come off as particularly callous and cruel. People on social media thought so too — and soon the blow-back had Storey deleting his tweets, his attempts at follow-up and his profile picture.
#BREAKING @UofTampa professor who was fired for “karma” tweets against Texas GOP during #Harvey speaks out @WESH @NBCNews pic.twitter.com/5TXcuIJzwK
— Adrian Whitsett (@AdrianWhitsett) August 30, 2017
Two days later, the University gave Storey das boot. In a statement they wrote:
“On Sunday, Aug. 27, visiting assistant professor of sociology Kenneth Storey made comments on a private Twitter account that do not reflect UT’s community views or values. We condemn the comments and the sentiment behind them, and understand the pain this irresponsible act has caused. Storey has been relieved of his duties at UT, and his classes will be covered by other sociology faculty. As Floridians, we are well aware of the destruction and suffering associated with tropical weather. Our thoughts and prayers are with all impacted by Hurricane Harvey.”
The Tampa Bay Times also reported that Storey issued apologized later on Monday, writing that the short 140-character mistake didn’t represent his true views.
“What they see in those tweets is not who I am,” he said. “How I worded it was wrong. I care about people. I love this country. I would never want to wish harm upon anyone.”
Regardless, during such difficult times (which remain absolutely political), it might be best to check the more petty parts of your politics at the door.