Joe Kennedy's return to Bremerton High School football team slated for March 2023
Attorneys for Joe Kennedy and the Bremerton School District have agreed that the former high school assistant football coach will return to the team no later than March 15, 2023, eight years after he was placed on leave and ultimately not rehired after praying with students at the 50-yard line following games
Details of how exactly Kennedy will resume his post-game prayers have yet to be finalized, however, despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June that the district violated Kennedy’s religious freedom rights by prohibiting him from praying on the field following games.
Proposals for how to word the final order for the case are due by Nov. 8.
In a filing Tuesday, the two sides told the U.S. District Court for Western District of Washington Judge Robert S. Lasnik that Kennedy will be reinstated to his previous position as assistant coach of the Bremerton High School football team on or before March 15, 2023.
“Bremerton School District shall not interfere with or prohibit Kennedy from offering a prayer consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s opinion,” the attorneys wrote in the filing detailing one of the points of contention remaining in the case, but then added: “The parties disagree on the specific wording of this portion of the injunction.”
Attorneys representing Bremerton School District did not offer any clarity regarding the disagreement over Kennedy's ability to prayer at games.
Jeremy Dys, one of Kennedy’s attorneys at First Liberty Institute, said Kennedy’s return in the spring was not surprising.
“I think March is inevitable,” Dys said.
Dys also said Kennedy enjoyed his time in Kitsap County during a recent visit with family and friends, during which he watched a Bremerton football game.
As Kennedy’s lawsuit proceeded through the courts, he moved to Florida but said the move was temporary.
“He’s still part of that community,” Dys said of Kennedy’s Kitsap connections.
Kennedy’s attorneys are also entitled to legal fees. Within 60 days of the court’s entry of judgment on the case, the attorneys can submit an application to be reimbursed by the district.
This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Kennedy to return to Bremerton football in 2023 following court case
