FRYEBURG — A Fryeburg Academy lacrosse coach is resigning after a controversy over a Facebook posting containing derogatory statements about Muslims.

The Portland Press Herald reports Scott Lees had coached boy’s lacrosse at the academy since 2011. Head of Schools Erin Mayo says he resigned March 19, a few days before school leaders planned to fire him.

Lees’ Facebook post was originally written by a Michigan Republican and styled as an open letter to President Barack Obama. The posting said Muslims have failed to contribute to American society and support slavery and terrorism.

The posting set off a debate about prejudice and free speech rights. Mayo says Lees “publicly slammed a whole class of people” with the post.

Lees took down the post and has said he is not a bigot.