Former Houston Board Member Sparks Outrage Over Remarks on Flood-Hit Camp Mystic
HUNT, TEXAS — July 7, 2025
A former Houston city appointee is facing widespread backlash after a controversial TikTok video surfaced in which she alleged that Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp recently ravaged by deadly floods, is racially exclusive and reflective of conservative Christian values. Sade Perkins, who formerly served on the Houston Food Insecurity Board, made the remarks over the weekend in a video that quickly went viral. Perkins, appointed in 2023 by then-Mayor Sylvester Turner, saw her term expire earlier this year in January. Her comments, however, have ignited sharp criticism and prompted Houston’s current administration to distance itself from her views.
The Controversial Video
Camp Mystic is a Whites-only Christian girls’ camp,” she said, adding, “There isn’t even a single token Asian or Black individual. She further alleged that the camp’s racial and cultural homogeneity influences the media coverage and public empathy surrounding the recent tragedy.
“If this were a group of Hispanic girls, this wouldn’t be getting the same attention,” she said, implying that racial bias plays a role in the national response to the flood disaster.
While Perkins acknowledged the tragedy and expressed hope that all missing girls are found, she criticized what she saw as disproportionate public sympathy. They expect the public to mobilize—donate money, leave their homes, and join the search efforts for these girls,” Perkins said. “At the same time, immigrant families are being deported, and detention facilities are expanding.
Tragedy at Camp Mystic
Perkins’ video comes in the wake of a catastrophic flash flood that struck Camp Mystic on July 5. The event has resulted in at least 80 confirmed deaths, with 10 campers still missing. Among the deceased was the camp’s director, who died while attempting to rescue children. Rescue efforts have continued across the region, with both federal and state agencies involved, and many local communities rallying to support affected families.
City of Houston Responds
The Office of Mayor John Whitmire issued a strong statement condemning Perkins’ remarks.
The remarks made on social media are highly inappropriate and do not reflect the values of our community, Mayor Whitmire has ruled out any future appointments and is taking immediate steps to ensure she no longer holds or returns to any city board position.
Whitmire’s administration emphasized respect for the victims and their grieving families, urging the public to focus on unity and compassion during this period of loss.