TAMPA, FL — University of Tampa students enrolled in Kenneth Storey's sociology classes have a new instructor in the room following a brouhaha that erupted on Twitter over the weekend. Storey reportedly tweeted that the devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey was "instant karma" for the state of Texas because of its Republican leanings.



UT officials on Tuesday morning announced that Storey "has been relieved of his duties" following the Sunday tweets made on his private Twitter account. "We condemn the comments and the sentiment behind them, and understand the pain this irresponsible act has caused," a statement issued by UT on Sept. 29 said. Get the Tampa Patch newsletter and alerts in your inbox.Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.

Storey's tweets were pulled down after they received backlash. He also issued an apology on Monday. "I dont believe in instant karma but this kind of feels like it for Texas," the Tampa Bay Times reported the original tweet as saying. "Hopefully this will help them realize the GOP doesnt care about them."

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Harvey Rescues Top Houston Priority List On Monday, Storey tweeted an apology. "I deeply regret a statement I posted yesterday," he said. "I never meant to wish ill will upon any group. I hope all affected by Harvey recovery quickly."

Storey took down his Twitter account on Tuesday.

See also: Hurricane Harvey – Must Know Facts Hurricane Harvey has been linked to 15 deaths in Texas since it first made landfall on Friday as a Category 4 storm. With widespread flooding and wind damage reported throughout Houston and nearby communities, Gov. Greg Abbott activated the entire Texas National Guard Monday morning. While no longer a hurricane, Harvey continued to wreak havoc on Texas Tuesday. Harvey is expected to make a second landfall on Texas as a tropical storm sometime on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Apology or not, University of Tampa officials say Storey's classes will now be "covered by other sociology faculty." "As Floridians, we are well aware of the destruction and suffering associated with tropical weather," UT's statement concluded. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all impacted by Hurricane Harvey."