Lexington, KY – A recent controversy has erupted following comments made by former University of Kentucky graduate student Betsy Packard regarding Hurricane Helene. On Sunday, Packard tweeted that the hurricane could be viewed as God punishing populations that support the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, stirring significant backlash on social media.
The comment quickly gained traction online, particularly from a right-wing account known for targeting leftist individuals. This account amplified Packard’s tweet, questioning whether the University of Kentucky condoned her statements. They stated, “Meet Betsy Packard, an instructor at @UKarts_sciences. She appears to celebrate Hurricane Helene destroying cities because some of those towns are Republican. Does @UKarts_sciences also believe this?”
However, it was later clarified that Packard was not a current staff member at the university, having completed her graduate studies from 2020 to 2022. University spokesperson Jay Blanton confirmed this information, highlighting that she has since removed the tweets.
Despite the clarification, the initial mischaracterization of Packard as an active university staffer had already spread, leading to sensational headlines that inaccurately painted the institution in a damaging light. Following communication from the university, one outlet amended their report to reflect her status as an “ex-staffer.”
The university responded to the situation, with Blanton condemning Packard’s remarks as “abhorrent.” He emphasized that such views do not align with the university’s values and reiterated the institution’s commitment to supporting those impacted by the devastating storms caused by Hurricane Helene.
As residents of Western North Carolina face hardships from the hurricane, the ensuing online discord has created further distraction from the urgent needs of those affected. “Our thoughts and concerns are with those impacted by these devastating storms,” Blanton stated, highlighting the university community’s commitment to providing support and resources.
The incident has sparked discussions on social media regarding public discourse and the impact of quick online reactions. Many critics of the backlash argue that the focus should instead be directed towards aiding affected communities rather than targeting individuals for their opinions, no matter how inappropriate they may be.
In light of the ongoing crisis, community members are encouraged to assist those in need through appropriate channels, emphasizing the importance of collective support during such challenging times.
