BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Beaverton Schools Deputy Superintendent Steve Phillips has resigned following backlash after he shared a social media post that said undocumented immigrants should be banned from the United States.
Screenshots show the post Phillips retweeted also said undocumented immigrants were more dangerous to American safety than assault rifles.
Hundreds had signed an online petition calling for the school district to fire Phillips due to his “decision to publicize his xenophobic and anti-undocumented views.”
Phillips has since deactivated his Twitter account.
On Monday, Superintendent Don Grotting released a statement condemning Phillips’ decision to share the tweet, saying the sentiment in the tweet is "not in keeping with the standards and values we hold as the Beaverton School District.”
Grotting accepted Phillips’ resignation on Tuesday. He released the following statement:
Today, I have accepted the resignation of Deputy Superintendent Steve Phillips, effective immediately.
I want to reiterate my values, the values of our District and the Beaverton School Board. We recognize the value and worth of each and every one of our students we serve. We are committed to ensuring all students have every opportunity to reach their potential. We are committed to restoring trust in our community.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Superintendent Don Grotting
Beaverton School District