[TAMPABAY] A tweet suggesting that the devastation of Hurricane Harvey was "instant karma" for the red state of Texas has cost a University of Tampa professor his job — making him just the latest academic fired for off-duty speech.The University first distanced itself from sociology professor Kenneth L. Storey on Monday. But a tide of online outrage continued. A #FireKenStorey hashtag spread far beyond the university. Angry Facebook comments piled up.
"Don't think this is a school we will be looking at for my daughter anymore," one commenter said. An alumnus wrote, "Good thing I already paid you, because I'll never send the school another dime again."
On Tuesday morning, the university fired him.
"We condemn the comments and the sentiment behind them, and understand the pain this irresponsible act has caused," spokesman Eric Cardenas said in a statement.
Storey told the Tampa Bay Times that, while saddened, he understands UT's decision. He got caught up in today's political climate, he said, and knows now that every 140-character post needs to be able to stand on its own.
"What they see in those tweets is not who I am," he said.
"I am somebody else."
"How I worded it was wrong. I care about people. I love this country.
"I didn't want to be fired. If I ever get another job I'll keep my mouth shut."
"I would never want to wish harm upon anyone."
"I am an asswipe."