Joe Kennedy, a high school football coach in Bremerton, Washington, was recently awarded a $2 million settlement after being fired for praying with his players on the field. The settlement comes after a long legal battle that began in 2015 when Kennedy was placed on leave by the Bremerton School Board for his post-game prayer ritual.
Kennedy had been leading the team in prayer since 2008, and it wasn’t until 2015 that he was reprimanded for it. After being placed on leave, Kennedy filed a lawsuit against the school district claiming religious discrimination. The case eventually made its way to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of Kennedy and ordered the school board to reinstate him as coach and pay him $2 million in damages.
In a statement on its website dated March 6, Bremerton High School said that he would be an assistant coach for the 2023 season.
“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,” it said.
The ruling has been seen as a victory for religious freedom advocates who argue that people should not be discriminated against based on their faith. It also serves as an important reminder that everyone has the right to practice their religion without fear of retribution or punishment from employers or other institutions.
Kennedy is now back coaching at Bremerton High School and is looking forward to continuing his work with the team. He said he hopes his story will inspire others to stand up for their beliefs and fight for what they believe is right. “I’m so grateful to have this opportunity,” he said. “It’s been a long journey but I’m glad it’s finally over.”
The settlement is also seen as an important step forward in protecting religious freedom rights across America. It sends a strong message that no one should be discriminated against because of their faith and that everyone has the right to practice their religion without fear of retribution or punishment from employers or other institutions.
