Joe Kennedy, Bremerton High School’s assistant football
coach has been praying on the 50-yard-line after games since 2008. And for
years, players and fans have voluntarily joined him.
Recently,
the school district instructed him to stop his post-game prayers as
they felt it was violating federal law, but he kept praying. Kennedy requested
a religious accommodation, but was denied. Now, he has been placed on paid
administration leave pending investigation by the District.
“Effective immediately, pending further District review of
your conduct, you are placed on paid administrative leave from your position as
an assistant coach with the Bremerton High School football program,” the
superintendent wrote. “You may not participate, in any capacity, in BHS
football program activities.”
Kennedy refuses to bend to their requests and is “prepared
to sue under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, claiming that his rights
have been violated,” according
to The Blaze.
Mike Berry is the senior counsel for the Liberty Institute
and plans to defend Kennedy’s religious freedom. Berry said, “Based on their
denial of the religious accommodation, we are going to initiate legal
proceedings against the school district this week. We’re still hopeful and
willing to talk to the district and meet with them … in hopes that we can
resolve this without having to resort to legal proceedings.”
Kennedy wants to teach students values by praying and
taking a stand. “I want to teach my kids those same values; that you have to
take a stand for what is right, even if it might cost you,” Kennedy said. “So,
I can’t not do this. I have to continue to be a role model, even if some think
it’s unpopular.”
Esther
Laurie is a staff writer at ChurchLeaders.com. Her background is in
communication and church ministry. She believes in the power of the written
word and the beauty of transformation and empowering others. When she’s not
working, she loves running, exploring new places and time with friends and
family. It’s her goal to work the word ‘whimsy’ into most conversations. More from Esther Laurie or visit
Esther at http://estherlaurie.com
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