On April 25th, First Liberty Institute and Kirkland & Ellis LLP, led by veteran Supreme Court advocate Paul Clement, represented Joe Kennedy at the Supreme Court in his fight to get his job back. Kennedy, a former high school football coach, asked the justices to reverse a lower court decision that allowed a school district to fire him because fans and students could see him take a knee in silent prayer after football games.
“No teacher or coach should lose their job for simply expressing their faith while in public,” said Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty. “By taking this important case, the Supreme Court can protect the right of every American to engage in private religious expression, including praying in public, without fear of punishment.”
Paul Clement, former U.S. Solicitor General, partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP and First Liberty volunteer attorney, said, “… Coach’s case, goes to the heart of the First Amendment, to the Justices.”
Coach Kennedy added, “Six years away from the football field has been far too long. I am extremely grateful to the Supreme Court and pray that I will soon be able to be back on the field coaching the game and players I love.”
By agreeing to take this case, the Court could restore the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment and strike a serious blow against a bad legal precedent that’s harmed religious liberty for more than 30 years.
Thank you for supporting First Liberty and helping us reach this important milestone. Your ongoing prayers and financial support are the reason why we can keep fighting on behalf of courageous Americans like Coach Kennedy.
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