ICC Note: As previously reported, Joe Kennedy, a football coach from a Washington high school, was placed on leave for praying on the field after games. Kennedy has officially filed a federal lawsuit against the Bremerton School District, claiming that the decision was discriminatory based on his religion. The decision to place Kennedy on leave was made in spite of the fact that participation among the students was entirely voluntary.

By Heather Clark

08/31/2016 United States (Christian News Network) – A high school football coach in Washington state who was placed on leave last year until he agrees to stop praying at the 50-yard line has filed a federal lawsuit against his former employer, alleging religious discrimination.

As previously reported, Joe Kennedy, the assistant head coach for the varsity team at Bremerton High School and the head coach for the junior varsity team, was placed on paid administrative leave last October when he prayed at the conclusion of the homecoming game despite an order to cease his practice.

Kennedy said that he began offering brief prayers on the field in 2008, then praying on his own. He was subsequently approached by several team members who asked what he was doing.

“I was thanking God for you guys,” Kennedy recalls responding. “Then a couple said they were Christians and asked if they could join. I responded, ‘It’s a free country, you can do whatever you want to do.’”

He said that he never asked students to pray with him, but some desired to, including those from the opposing team.

“They just all showed up one day and the next thing I know, the other team was showing up with us,” Kennedy said.

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