03.03.22

Hoeven Supports Coach Kennedy, Joins Amicus Brief

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week joined Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) and other Senators and Members of the House of Representatives in filing an amicus brief at the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Coach Joe Kennedy in the case of Kennedy v. Bremerton School District. Coach Joe Kennedy was head coach for the Bremerton High School junior varsity football team and an assistant coach for the varsity team. After each game, Kennedy waited until the players left the field, then took a knee and silently prayed. Bremerton High School sent the coach a letter demanding he stop praying after games. Coach Kennedy’s contract with Bremerton School District was not renewed, resulting in his termination.

“This is about supporting Coach Kennedy’s constitutional freedoms, and we look forward to the Supreme Court upholding his rights,” said Hoeven. 

In addition to Hoeven and Lankford, the brief was signed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Tim Scott (R-SC), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Todd Young (R-IN) and several Members of the House of Representatives. 

Click here to read the full amicus brief. 

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