Episode
The Supreme Court Considers a Football Coach’s Prayers
31:06
Published: Wed Apr 27 2022
Description
Joseph A. Kennedy, a former high school football coach, was fired after he made a habit of going to the 50-yard line after his team’s games to thank God and to lead his players in prayer.On Monday, the Supreme Court heard his suit. The justice’s decision in the complex case could make a major statement about the role religion may play in public life.Guest: Adam Liptak, a reporter covering the Supreme Court for The New York Times.Want more from The Daily? For one big idea on the news each week from our team, subscribe to our newsletter. Background reading: Coaching was his calling, Mr. Kennedy said. But after the school board in Bremerton, Wash., told him to stop mixing football and faith on the field, he left his job and sued.Members of the Supreme Court’s conservative majority indicated that Mr. Kennedy had a constitutional right to pray after games.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Chapters
The Supreme Court is considering a case about a high school football coach who lost his job after praying on the field.
00:00 - 02:36 (02:36)
Summary
The Supreme Court is considering a case about a high school football coach who lost his job after praying on the field. This case could have profound implications for the freedom of religion and freedom from it in the public school system.
EpisodeThe Supreme Court Considers a Football Coach’s Prayers
PodcastThe Daily
A man gives a tour of his hometown, which doubles as a tour of his difficult past.
02:37 - 06:07 (03:30)
Summary
A man gives a tour of his hometown, which doubles as a tour of his difficult past. He was adopted by a couple who later had biological children, leaving him and his sister feeling neglected and abandoned.
EpisodeThe Supreme Court Considers a Football Coach’s Prayers
PodcastThe Daily
A high school coach in Bremerton, Washington, was leading students in prayer on the field after games, catching the attention of an opposing team's coach and drawing a complaint which resulted in the school district sending a warning letter.
06:07 - 11:52 (05:45)
Summary
A high school coach in Bremerton, Washington, was leading students in prayer on the field after games, catching the attention of an opposing team's coach and drawing a complaint which resulted in the school district sending a warning letter.
EpisodeThe Supreme Court Considers a Football Coach’s Prayers
PodcastThe Daily
The justices are debating whether the act of prayer led by a coach during a school-sanctioned event constitutes private prayer or public spectacle that could be attributed to the school, therefore violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
11:52 - 18:12 (06:20)
Summary
The justices are debating whether the act of prayer led by a coach during a school-sanctioned event constitutes private prayer or public spectacle that could be attributed to the school, therefore violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. They are also questioning how the school district would react if the same behavior was shown during the national anthem for different reasons.
EpisodeThe Supreme Court Considers a Football Coach’s Prayers
PodcastThe Daily
This podcast episode discusses the legal and ethical implications of prayer in American public schools and the undue pressure it can have on students to participate in religious activities.
18:12 - 24:15 (06:03)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the legal and ethical implications of prayer in American public schools and the undue pressure it can have on students to participate in religious activities.
EpisodeThe Supreme Court Considers a Football Coach’s Prayers
PodcastThe Daily
The Supreme Court is preparing to hear a case on school prayer which would represent a potential change in direction from decades of decisions disfavoring compelling students to pray.
24:15 - 30:48 (06:32)
Summary
The Supreme Court is preparing to hear a case on school prayer which would represent a potential change in direction from decades of decisions disfavoring compelling students to pray. There are concerns over coercion and the potential for children to feel compelled to participate in religious activities if a coach or other popular figure is endorsing them.