Professor fired after saying Harvey is karma for Texas Trump voters

The floodwaters brought by Hurricane Harvey haven't yet receded in much of Houston, but some are already taking to the internet with controversial takes, blaming the city for the disaster.

In one case, a sociology professor at a Florida university was fired after tweeting Sunday that the damage from Hurricane Harvey was karma for Texans voting for President Trump.

University of Tampa visiting assistant professor Ken Storey has since deactivated his Twitter account, but on Sunday wrote, "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."

The backlash was swift as Storey's comments made the rounds. On Monday, the University of Tampa issued a statement condemning Storey's comments, and on Tuesday it was followed with a statement saying he had been fired.

"We condemn the comments and the sentiment behind them, and understand the pain this irresponsible act has caused," the statement said. "Storey has been relieved of his duties at UT, and his classes will be covered by other sociology faculty."

Residents evacuate their homes near the Addicks Reservoir as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey rise Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Residents evacuate their homes near the Addicks Reservoir as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey rise Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Photo: David J. Phillip, Associated Press Photo: David J. Phillip, Associated Press Image 1 of / 34 Caption Close Professor fired after saying Harvey is karma for Texas Trump voters 1 / 34 Back to Gallery

In a statement to ABC Action News, Storey apologized for the tweets and said they were taken out of context, writing, "I was referring to the GOP denial of climate change science and push to decrease funds from agencies that can help in a time like this. I hope all affected by the storm are safe and recover quickly."

Some cheered the firing, but others expressed concern that Storey was punished by the university for speech he made on his personal account.

"While his comments were completely out of line, it is his right to have such a vile opinion, express it outside the workplace and NOT be fired for it," one person commented on the statement on the university Facebook page. "What happened to freedom of speech?" another asked.

Storey's comments were not the only ones to place some blame for the devastation sweeping Houston on the city itself. A column published Tuesday in the Sydney Morning Herald suggested that Houston bears responsibility for the flooding because of its role as a major oil and gas hub.

I don't believe Hurricane Harvey is God's punishment for Houston electing a lesbian mayor. But that is more credible than "climate change." https://t.co/K7d7mopY5Q — Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) August 29, 2017

"Yes, Houston, you do have a problem, and – as insensitive as it seems to bring it up just now – some of it is your own making," wrote Peter Hannam in the Herald, going on to use the disaster as a news peg to discuss climate concerns.

"Given its unusual dependence on fossil-fuel industries, though, it will be interesting to watch if Houston queries – tactfully and delicately – its own contribution to the catastrophe," he continued.

Not to be outdone on the insensitivity front, Ann Coulter weighed in as well, tweeting, "I don't believe Hurricane Harvey is God's punishment for Houston electing a lesbian mayor. But that is more credible than 'climate change.'"

Filipa Ioannou is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at fioannou@sfchronicle.com and visit her on Twitter.