Supreme Court Rules in Favor of High School Football Coach Fired for Post-Game Prayers

Decision overturns the oft-reversed 9th Circuit Court of Appeals

People walk past the Supreme Court building during a rainstorm in Washington, D.C., on June 23, 2022. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 on June 27 that a school district in Washington state violated First Amendment religious freedom protections when it fired high school football coach Joseph Kennedy for leading personal prayers at the 50-yard line after games.

The decision is regarded as a victory for religious freedom.