Outrage as Ex-Houston Official Claims 'No One Would Care' If Camp Mystic Victims Were Hispanic

Sadé Perkins, a former Houston mayoral appointee, has sparked widespread outrage as in her viral TikTok video, she claimed that Camp Mystic, a Texas girls' camp devastated by flash floods, was a 'white-only girls' Christian camp'.

Hours after the 4 July floods that killed at least 27 campers and counsellors, Perkins said: 'If it were Hispanic kids, if it were LGBTQ kids that got swept away, y'all wouldn't give a f***'.

Her remarks, condemned by Houston Mayor John Whitmire, led to her permanent removal from the city's Food Insecurity Board.

Fueling a Racial Controversy

Perkins, appointed in 2023 by former Mayor Sylvester Turner, posted her rant as Camp Mystic mourned losses from the Guadalupe River's 26-foot surge.

She claimed the camp's coverage was disproportionate due to its 'all-white enclave' status, lacking diversity like a 'token Asian'.

The video, since deleted, drew swift backlash. Mayor Whitmire called her comments 'deeply inappropriate', emphasising that her term, which ended in January 2025, would not be renewed.

Perkins doubled down, stating: 'I still stand behind, 10 toes down', showing no remorse despite the tragedy's toll.

Amplify Public Backlash

The public reaction was fierce, particularly on social media. X user @FoxNews posted: 'Former Houston city board official Sade Perkins sparks outrage over race-fueled comments about Camp Mystic'.

@Gally66kg echoed: 'A callous City of Houston official, Sade Perkins, has been blasted after she said Camp Mystic was "for white girls"'.

These posts, while inconclusive, reflect widespread condemnation.

Perkins' boyfriend, Reverend Colin Bossen, disavowed her remarks, stating: 'I disavow her comments', noting their harm to grieving families.

The controversy intensified as Perkins posted a new video at a shooting range, further stoking anger (the post has since been deleted).

Question: Camp Mystic's Demographics

Perkins' claim that Camp Mystic is 'white-only' lacks evidence, as the camp's website highlights inclusivity and a century-long history serving diverse Texas families, including political elites.

The floods, which killed over 100 persons across Texas, left 10 campers and one counsellor missing as of 9 July 2025.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported 75 bodies have been recovered, including 27 children.

The tragedy's scale, with damages at £100 million ($135 million), underscores the insensitivity of Perkins' timing, as families grieve regardless of race.

Expose Societal Divisions

The incident reveals deeper issues of racial polarisation and media perception. Perkins' accusation of media bias, claiming tragedies involving minorities receive less attention, reflects a broader debate.

However, her remarks, made amid a crisis, trivialised the loss of young lives, prompting calls for accountability.

The mayor's swift action and public disavowals, including those from Bossen's church, highlight the need for sensitivity in the face of tragedy.

Perkins' views, criticised as divisive, may reflect academic influences but alienated a community in mourning.

Demand Unity and Healing

Sadé Perkins' inflammatory comments about Camp Mystic's victims expose the dangers of politicising tragedy.

Her claim that no one would care about Hispanic or LGBTQ victims ignored the universal grief for the 27 lives lost.

Communities must reject divisive rhetoric and foster unity through shared empathy.

Leaders should promote dialogue to bridge racial divides, ensuring tragedies like Camp Mystic unite rather than polarise as support for the affected families, with recovery costs potentially exceeding £100 million ($135 million), is crucial.