University fires prof who called hurricane 'karma' for Texas

The University of Tampa announced Tuesday that it has fired a professor who said that Texans deserved Hurricane Harvey because of their support for Donald Trump.

In a statement sent to the university community, the school strongly condemned the comments made by Professor Ken Storey on Twitter, underscoring that the remarks “do not reflect UT's community views or values.”

[RELATED: Prof suggests Texans deserve hurricane for supporting Trump]

“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,” the university wrote.

“As Floridians, we are well aware of the destruction and suffering associated with tropical weather,” the statement concluded, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with all impacted by Hurricane Harvey.”

On Sunday, Storey tweeted that the devastating storm that caused massive flooding and extensive property damage across Texas was “instant Karma” for the state’s support of the GOP.

“I don’t believe in instant Karma but this kinda feels like it for Texas,” the professor wrote. “Hopefully this will help them realize the GOP doesn’t care about them.”

[RELATED: Prof: House GOP ‘should be lined up and shot’]

Storey later elaborated that his comments were only intended for Republican supporters and that the GOP voters in Florida also deserve bad karma.

“Well, the good people [of Texas] need to do more to stop the evil their state pushes. I’m only blaming those who support the GOP there,” he said in a comment, later adding that Trump supporters in Florida “deserve it as well.”

The following day, the professor voiced “regret” for making his remarks, insisting that he “never meant” to wish harm on Texans.

“I deeply regret a statement I posted yesterday,” Storey tweeted. “I never meant to wish ill will upon any group. I hope all affected by Harvey recover quickly.”

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