Joseph Kennedy, a former high school football coach who was sacked for praying with players, has received a $1.7 million settlement from the Bremerton School District in Washington State. With this settlement, Kennedy’s eight-year court battle came to an end. Kennedy’s First Amendment right to pray with kids was previously recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court.
In a 6-3 decision in June, the Supreme Court upheld his constitutional right to preside over post-game prayers. Kennedy will return to his position as an assistant coach at Bremerton High School in 2023. Kennedy began praying at the 50-yard line in 2008.
Kennedy was suspended in 2015 for carrying out the prayers, and the First Liberty Institute backed his lawsuit against the district for its actions. Kennedy can now concentrate on coaching thanks to the deal, which also ends the long-running dispute.
