Controversy has sparked in Houston as former Food Insecurity Board member Sade Perkins is called out for making insensitive remarks about a camp swept by flash floods. According to Click2Houston, Perkins posted a video on TikTok in which she referred to Camp Mystic as a "white-only girls' Christian camp," adding skepticism about the camp's diversity.
Houston's Mayor John Whitmire was quick to condemn the comments, making it clear that Perkins does not currently represent the city. "The comments shared on social media are deeply inappropriate and have no place in a decent society," Whitmire stated in a release, as reported by CW39. The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time, as families mourn losses and continue to desperately search for loved ones after the flood.
Appointed by former Mayor Sylvester Turner in 2023 to address food insecurity issues, Perkins ended her term this past January. Mayor Whitmire, in his statement, emphasized that Perkins will not be reappointed and steps are being taken to permanently remove her from any city-related roles.
The backlash is set against a tragic backdrop, with Kerr County officials providing updates on the missing campers. Out of more than 20 individuals reported missing since last Friday, 11 have yet to be located. The search continues in the aftermath of the Guadalupe River suddenly rising to 26 feet within approximately 45 minutes, washing through the historic Camp Mystic. The camp, popular for generations, has been an idyllic retreat for young campers, as Click2Houston describes with images of girls enjoying typical camp activities before the devastating flood.
