University of Tampa Fires Professor Who Said Hurricane Harvey Befell Texas Because It Voted Republican

The University of Tampa has fired a visiting professor who posted a tweet Sunday suggesting the devastation of Hurricane Harvey is “instant karma” for Texas because it voted Republican.

“We condemn the comments and the sentiment behind them, and understand the pain this irresponsible act has caused,” university spokesman Eric Cardenas said in a statement Tuesday morning, after the school weathered an outpouring of online outrage. “As Floridians, we are well aware of the destruction and suffering associated with tropical weather.”

Other sociology faculty will take over Kenneth L. Storey’s classes, Cardenas said.

Meanwhile, a group that fights for academic freedom is investigating the matter.

“Many universities seem to decide, ‘Well, it’s not worth the trouble of sticking up for our faculty members’ rights,’ and that’s troubling,” said Ari Cohn, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. “The University of Tampa’s own policies say faculty members retain their rights to speak as private citizens, which is exactly what Ken Storey seems to have done.”

Storey, a visiting assistant professor, posted the tweet and two responses before removing the entire thread — as well as his profile photo — and issuing an apology on Monday.

“I deeply regret a statement I posted yesterday,” reads a recent tweet from @klstorey. “I never meant to wish ill will upon any group. I hope all affected by Harvey recover quickly.”

The original post, captured by conservative websites Turning Point USA and Campus Reform before it was removed, read, “I dont believe in instant karma but this kinda feels like it for Texas. Hopefully this will help them realize the GOP doesnt care about them.”

Following responses to his tweet, noting that good people live in Texas and that Florida also voted Republican, Storey issued responses including one that read, “Well, the good people there need to do more to stop the evil their state pushes. I’m only blaming those who support the GOP there.”

Monday evening, the university posted this reaction to its Facebook page:

“The University of Tampa stands in solidarity with the people impacted by Hurricane Harvey, and our thoughts and prayers are with all involved. The comments made by Kenneth Storey were made via his private social media account. They were not made within his capacity as a faculty member, and they don’t represent the University’s views. The University of Tampa condemns these comments and the sentiment behind them.”