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Professor Fired for Blaming Harvey on Texas Voting GOP

The University of Tampa fired a professor who suggested in a tweet that Hurricane Harvey's destruction is "instant karma" for Texas because it voted GOP.
Image: Local apartment residents cross high water on North Braeswood Blvd to escape the flooding from Hurricane Harvey
Local apartment residents cross high water on North Braeswood Blvd to escape the flooding from Hurricane Harvey Aug. 28, 2017 in Houston.Erich Schlegel / Getty Images

TAMPA, Fla. — The University of Tampa has fired a visiting assistant professor who suggested in a tweet that Hurricane Harvey's destruction is "instant karma" for Texas because it voted Republican.

Sociology professor Kenneth L. Storey posted the tweet and two responses on Sunday before removing the entire thread and his profile photo.

University spokesman Eric Cardenas said in a statement Tuesday that Storey was fired after the school weathered an outpouring of online outrage over the comments.

The Tampa Bay Times reported Storey issued an apology on Monday, writing that he "never meant to wish ill will upon any group."

In a Facebook post on Monday evening, the university said it "stands in solidarity with the people impacted by Hurricane Harvey."

Officials said another sociology professor will take over Storey's classes.