An American football coach who was fired for praying after high school football games is suing his former employer to get his job back.
Joe Kennedy had been the head coach of the Bremerton High School junior varsity American Football team in Washington State before he was fired.
He has not asked for any financial compensation in the lawsuit, but wants to be restored to his position.
Inspiration
Even our most bitter rivals were out there with us which was really amazing.
After taking inspiration from the Christian film ‘Facing the Giants’, a film about a high school football team, from 2008 Coach Kennedy would routinely pray at the conclusion of a game.
“When it first started out it was just myself, I first started just praying myself and giving thanks for what the players just did and the opportunity to be part of it.
“Before long it started to be more and more kids. Our kids started inviting the other teams.
“Even our most bitter rivals were out there with us which was really amazing.”
Genuine risk
After eight years, the school district asked him to stop praying, bowing his head or kneeling.
Kennedy refused and after being placed on administrative leave, he was given a poor performance evaluation and the school did not renew his contract.
Bremerton High School said in a statement that praying, “poses a genuine risk that the District will be liable for violating the federal and state constitutional rights of students or others”.
Legal action
First Liberty Institute, which is representing Kennedy, filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The complaint mentioned that another coach had not been disciplined for Buddhist chanting on-field during games.
Michael Berry of the First Liberty Institute said: “To put it simply, the school district is discriminating against him – against Coach Kennedy – on a basis of his religion and the fact that he’s a Christian. Its religious discrimination.”
Religious discrimination
Despite the loss of his job, the coach says he would continue to stand for his faith if given an opportunity again.
“I wouldn’t do anything differently. I’ve always taught my guys to stand up for what they believe in – even if it’s not popular,” Kennedy said.
The case is waiting to be heard in court.