Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022)

Kennedy v. Bremerton was a SCOTUS in the Classroom case. It was decided on June 27, 2022.

Each term Street Law selects the most classroom-relevant, student-friendly cases as our SCOTUS in the Classroom cases. Teachers are encouraged to conduct moot courts the same week the case is argued, giving students the opportunity to follow discussion and analysis in the news and listen to or read a transcript of the actual oral arguments.

Case Issue: 

Is a public school employee’s prayer in view of students immediately following the conclusion of a football game protected speech and religious exercise, and, if so, must the public school employer prohibit it to avoid violating the Establishment Clause?

Case Briefs:

• Brief of Petitioner: Joseph Kennedy, assistant coach for Bremerton High School varsity football
• Brief of Respondent: Bremerton School District

Oral Argument:

• Audio recording and transcript of the oral argument from the Supreme Court

Decision:

• Link to the opinion of the Court 

News Articles and Resources:

• Education Week: “Supreme Court to Hear Case of Coach Who Prayed After Games in Defiance of School District” (January 14, 2022)
• New York Times: “Supreme Court to Hear Case of Coach Who Lost His Job Over Postgame Prayers” (January 14, 2022)
• Verdict by Justia: “Supreme Court to Decide Between Establishment and Free Exercise in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District” (January 26, 2022)

How to Conduct a Moot Court or a Mini-Moot Court:

• Classroom Guide to Moot Courts
• Mini-Moot Courts Resource Bundle and Video