Kennedy vs Bremerton School District (2022)

Citation: 597 U.S. No. 21 - 418

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Parties Involved:

• Plaintiff: Coach Joseph Kennedy
• Respondent: Bremerton School District

"Government must be neutral in matters of religion"

The case reflects the foundational principle of neutrality required by the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. It underscores the idea that government entities, including public schools and employees, must neither endorse nor inhibit religious beliefs or practices. In the context of Coach Kennedy's case, this maxim highlights the court's emphasis on maintaining neutrality to avoid any perception of state-sponsored endorsement of religious activities, which was central to the court's decision.

The plaintiff, Coach Joe Kennedy, was employed at the Bremerton School District and regularly prayed at the 50-yard line after football games. At first, these prayers were private but later, students started voluntarily involved in this religious practice. The coach was placed on administrative leave followed by his termination by the school district. The termination cited; concerns the violation of the ' First Amendment of the Establishment Clause.'

Kennedy's termination sparked significant debate over religious freedom in public schools!

The main issue before the court was whether the coach's prayers (even though they started privately yet voluntarily) constituted government endorsement of religion, thus violating the Establishment Clause.

Coach Kennedy's arguments stated that his prayers (which began privately) did not constitute school-endorsed religious activity and thus, were protected under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Whereas, the arguments of the School stated that the school district maintained his actions, particularly when students joined in, amounted to a violation of the Establishment Clause by promoting religion in a public school setting.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Coach Kennedy, in favour of the school district. The court ruled that Kennedy's public prayers, particularly when students participated, gave the impression of school endorsement of religion. Thus, it violated the Establishment Clause, which prohibits government entities from endorsing or promoting religious activities.

Supporting its ruling, the court stated that public school officials, including coaches, act as state representatives when they are on duty and, therefore, they must oblige to religious neutrality during office hours.

From a legal perspective, the case underscores the thin and delicate line of balance required by the Establishment Clause in public education settings. This case highlights the importance of maintaining neutrality regarding religion to avoid any perception of the state promoting religious activities. It clarifies the boundaries of religious expression in public schools and public school officials to uphold neutrality in their religious beliefs.

(Perrin, 2023)

Written By: Bhoomi Mittal