A high school football coach wins a $1.7 million settlement after getting fired for leading midfield prayers with players and other students after games.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday that Bremerton High School football coach Joseph Kennedy could legally lead prayers under his First Amendment rights to free speech and free exercise of religion.
“The Constitution and the best of our traditions counsel mutual respect and tolerance, not censorship and suppression, for religious and nonreligious views alike,” Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the majority, who are all Republicans.
Gorsuch also said that students were not required to participate in Kennedy’s prayer sessions, and the prayers were not publicly broadcast, adding that the coach’s prayer occurred “while his students were otherwise occupied.”
“Official-led prayer strikes at the core of our constitutional protections for the religious liberty of students and their parents,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote.
Kennedy, a former Marine who spent nearly 20 years in the force, began coaching at the school in Washington State in 2008. Initially, he prayed by himself on the 50-yard line at the end of the games. But students and players soon joined him, and he started giving quick lectures that included religious references.
“This is just so awesome,” Kennedy said in a statement on Monday. “All I’ve ever wanted was to be back on the field with my guys.”
“We are thrilled that Bremerton and Coach Kennedy are back together and we hope they go undefeated,” said Hiram Sasser, executive general counsel at First Liberty Institute, a legal organization representing Kennedy.
In addition to the settlement, the Bremerton School District must now hire Kenny back by the end of this month.
“Mr. Kennedy will be an assistant football coach for Bremerton High School for the 2023 season. Mr. Kennedy has completed human resources paperwork and we are awaiting the results of his fingerprinting and background check. Mr. Kennedy will need to complete all training required by WIAA,” the district said. “As with any other assistant coach, Mr. Kennedy will be included in coaching staff communication and meetings, spring football practice and other off-season football activities.”
