The Praying Football Coach Supreme Court Decision: Five Implications for School Administrators

School administrators have often been admonished that it is illegal for teachers and other employees to pray in front of students. Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, also known as “the praying football coach” decision, appears to have changed that, but many questions remain as to the extent and implications of this unprecedented U.S. Supreme Court decision.

This article describes why this court case was so significant. It summarizes the relevant facts of the case and the Court’s majority and dissenting opinions. The article also provides school leaders with guidance about how to respond to this seminal case by concluding with five implications of the Court’s decision.