A former University of Kentucky staffer made controversial remarks on social media suggesting that Hurricane Helene was a punishment from God on red states for their support of former President Trump. Betsy Packard, who claimed to be a writer of feminist revisionist poetry, faced backlash for her comments but appeared to double down on her stance. The death toll from Hurricane Helene has surpassed 100, and the storm caused widespread devastation in the southeast.
After receiving negative feedback for her remarks, Packard continued to argue with her detractors online but eventually clarified that she did not actually believe the storm was a divine punishment on Trump supporters. The University of Kentucky, where Packard had served as a teaching assistant in the past, condemned her comments as “abhorrent” and not reflective of the institution’s values. The school noted that many members of their community had been impacted by the devastating storms and were working to provide support and resources to those affected.
Packard’s name and image had previously appeared on the UK College of Arts and Sciences website, where she was identified as an MFA candidate and graduate instructor. However, her page has since been taken down. The university reported Packard’s social media post to their appropriate offices that review questions around conduct, even though she was no longer an employee at the institution. Packard appeared to retract her initial statement, emphasizing that she had only posed the question “WHAT IF” and did not actually believe in a divine punishment for Trump supporters.
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in red states, with North Carolina lawmaker describing the aftermath as a “warzone.” Packard’s controversial social media post incited a strong reaction, leading to a heated online debate. Some questioned her intentions and beliefs, while others supported her right to free speech. Despite the fierce debate, it was clarified by Packard that she did not hold the belief that the storm was a punishment from God on Trump supporters. The University of Kentucky expressed their support for those impacted by the storms and reaffirmed that Packard’s comments did not align with their values as an institution.
The controversy surrounding Packard’s social media post highlights the divisive nature of current political discourse in the United States. The clash between different ideologies often leads to inflammatory rhetoric and heated debates, as witnessed in this particular incident. Packard’s initial comments sparked outrage and condemnation, prompting the University of Kentucky to take action and distance themselves from her views. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene serves as a grim reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the need for solidarity and support in times of crisis.
