U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in former high school football coach's school prayer case

The case of a former high school football coach who lost his job for praying at the end of a game, a legal fight that could redefine the limits of religious liberty in public schools, came before the Supreme Court on Monday.

Joseph Kennedy has been the head coach of the junior varsity football team at Bremerton High School for seven years and he said he had a commitment to God to take a knee and say a prayer after each game. He initially prayed alone, but as time went on he was joined by some players.

Kennedy refused to stop praying when public school officials asked him to. His contract was not renewed in 2015. Kennedy's case went to the Supreme Court after he sued.

The justices seemed divided along ideological lines during an oral argument that stretched nearly double the allotted hour. Kennedy's prayers were compared to hypothetical prayers of other school officials by the court's three more liberal members.

Kennedy's prayers were questioned whether they were private or public.

I don't know of any other religion that requires you to get at the 50-yard line, the place where postgame victory speeches are given.

The teacher who decided to say a prayer in class immediately after the bell has sounded, even as students are approaching with questions, was asked if there would be any difference between Kennedy's actions and that of the teacher.

The six-member conservative majority of the court asked questions comparing Kennedy's prayers to other non- religious actions.

Justice Clarence Thomas asked how the school district would respond if the coach took a knee during the national anthem to protest against racism.

Justice Amy ConeyBarrett wondered if it would be viewed as coercive if Kennedy ran a Christian youth group on his own time that many of his players attended.

Even though lower courts have ruled against Kennedy, many legal observers expect the high court to rule in his favor. The Supreme Court has tended to support religious liberty, and a victory for Kennedy could loosen restrictions on religious expression in public schools.

The summer recess of the court begins in late June.