In a crucial development that has repercussions for freedom of religion in America, Joe Kennedy, the football coach of Bremerton High School, Washington, returned to the football field on Friday after the Supreme Court ruled in his favor, marking the end of a nearly decade-long litigation. Kennedy, who spurred controversy due to his post-game tradition of kneeling in prayer at the 50-yard line, was dismissed from his post back in 2015 following numerous complaints, sparking an intense legal battle which has only now reached adjudication.
🚨After Bremerton High School won tonight, coach Kennedy walked to the center of the field and took a knee in silence prayer. Fans cheered as he did so. pic.twitter.com/tlokZxhywB
— Virginia Allen (@Virginia_Allen5) September 2, 2023
Kennedy started the tradition back in 2008, when he began to take a knee at the 50-yard line and silently offer prayers of gratitude after every game. As this habit became known, some players asked to join him, and Kennedy welcomed their participation, emphasizing the principles of individual liberty and decision in accordance with the spirit of America.
The coach’s silent, solitary 60-second prayers turned into a regular post-game ritual over seven years. However, parents started complaining, including an accusation by a mother that her atheist son was being sidelined due to her son’s religious inclinations. Even players from 2010 voiced concerns saying that it created a spectacle and put pressure on others to join.
The school administration argued that permitting such prayers at the center of the field contradicts the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which led to the fateful decision to terminate coach Kennedy’s assignment with the school. Following his termination, Kennedy took the matter to the courts, kick-starting a fierce legal tussle that culminated in the U.S. Supreme Court ruling favorably for him last June by a 6-3 verdict.
On Friday night, the coach returned to the playing field, electrifying the sidelines for the first since his sacking six years ago. Emotions ran high as his team clinched a victory, and Kennedy resumed his tradition of kneeling down in silent prayer at the 50-yard line, with the crowd expressing their approval.
Kennedy equated his journey to a grueling boxing match in his statement to local outlet KUOW, stating, “Imagine being knocked down for seven rounds and being able to stand up for that eighth and final round,” Kennedy said. “We did that. We won, and now I get to finish the race I started before.”
In sum, this case underscores a significant victory for religious freedom, and by extension, individual liberties in warning institutions to tread lightly when casting judgment on personal expressions of faith. Kennedy’s reinstatement also marks a significant victory for those who hold dear the cherished American values of free speech and religious liberty. These pillars are the underpinning of our great democracy, demonstrating to society how deeply cherished the principles of individual liberty and freedom truly are by an influential portion of our nation.
