Beaverton deputy superintendent resigns following scrutiny for tweet

Steve Phillips retweeted a post expressing views critical of undocumented immigrants; the superintendent and school board denounced the sentiments.

Steve Phillips, a deputy superintendent for the Beaverton School District, has resigned under fire after sharing a Twitter post that expressed anti-immigrant sentiment.

The school district announced his resignation Tuesday evening.

Phillips declined to be interviewed this week. Superintendent Don Grotting, who announced the resignation, also declined to be interviewed.

The original retweet, which led to the controversy, read:

"One of the biggest PREVENTABLE cause of death in America? An Avg of 12 Americans are killed daily by illegal Aliens in our country. That's over 4300 Americans a YEAR!! They are more dangerous than assault rifles and should be BANNED from our country."

The tweet ended with a hashtag: "#Marchtoendillegalkillings."

In response, Beaverton Superintendent Don Grotting and the Beaverton School Board issued separate statement to parents and the community this week distancing the district from those sentiments.

Tuesday evening, Grotting 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."