A former Houston mayoral appointee was permanently removed following a viral TikTok video in which she labeled Camp Mystic—a flood‑hit girls’ Christian camp—as “white‑only,” prompting condemnation amid ongoing search efforts for missing children.
At a Glance
- Sade Perkins, formerly on Houston’s Food Insecurity Board, called Camp Mystic “white‑only” and accused the media of biased coverage.
- Houston Mayor John Whitmire criticized the remarks as “deeply inappropriate” and confirmed she would not be reappointed.
- The post was made just hours after at least five young girls were confirmed dead, and several remained missing.
- City officials emphasized that rescue and recovery efforts must remain the top priority.
- The Camp Mystic tragedy has resulted in at least 68 fatalities—including campers and counselors—with 10 girls still unaccounted for.
Outrage Over Tone‑Deaf Commentary
In a private TikTok video, Sade Perkins stated, “Camp Mystic is a white‑only girls’ Christian camp. They don’t even have a token Asian. They don’t have a token Black person,” later suggesting that Hispanic children would not receive equivalent attention in media coverage. Her remarks, made while victims were still being pulled from floodwaters, drew swift condemnation across Texas.
Watch a national report: Houston Official Ousted After Controversial TikTok
Coverage from IndiaTimes highlighted public backlash to the comments, while Fox News reported that Perkins had already stepped down from her city advisory post at the time of the video but would no longer be considered for reappointment.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire responded unequivocally, stating the remarks were “deeply inappropriate and have no place in a decent society, especially as families grieve.” As Click2Houston and the Houston Chronicle confirmed, Perkins’ political future in the administration has been cut off entirely.
Camp Mystic Tragedy Intensifies Scrutiny
Located along the Guadalupe River, Camp Mystic was devastated by flash flooding on July 4. At least 68 people have been confirmed dead, including 27 campers and staff members. The camp’s longtime director, Richard “Dick” Eastland, was killed while attempting to lead evacuations. Ten girls remain missing.
As detailed in the Houston Chronicle, search crews continue scouring riverbanks and submerged cabins for signs of the lost campers. Parents and survivors have pleaded for public focus to remain on rescue, not politics.
Despite the racial commentary drawing national headlines, local leaders have urged compassion, unity, and patience with emergency operations. The storm’s destruction—and the grief it leaves behind—will last long after the last body is recovered.