Coach Joe Kennedy takes a knee in prayer after every game. Only now he prays on the stadium side of the fence. School district officials in Washington state put Kennedy on paid administrative leave last week. His crime was ignoring orders to stop overt religious displays on the football field.
Bremerton High School officials cite past Supreme Court and appeals court cases as backup: They don’t want to be seen as endorsing any one religion.
"While attending games may be voluntary for most students, students required to be present by virtue of their participation in football or cheerleading will necessarily suffer a degree of coercion to participate in religious activity when their coaches lead or endorse it," the Bremerton School District said.
Bremerton’s senior class president Abe Bartlett was one of those who want the district to be consistent about its policy. He invited a group of self-described Satanists to attend the football game.
It seems Bremerton High School is being asked to “choose this day whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)
Coach Kennedy has made his choice. He told the media attending one game last week that it hurt his heart not to be with his players. But he added, “If you believe in something you stand up.”
The coach's case will soon head to court. What do you think about prayer at public events?
