Document ID: ./input/supremecourt_opinions/opinions/21pdf/21-418_i425.pdf
Page Number: 50

10 

KENNEDY v. BREMERTON SCHOOL DIST. 

SOTOMAYOR, J., dissenting 

that did not interfere with his duties or risk perceptions of 
endorsement.    Stressing  that  “[d]evelopment  of  accommo-
dations  is  an  interactive  process,”  it  invited  Kennedy  to
reach out to discuss accommodations that might be mutu-
ally satisfactory, offering proposed accommodations and in-
viting Kennedy to raise others.  Id., at 93–94.  The District 
noted, however, that “further violations of [its] directives”
would be grounds for discipline or termination.  Id., at 95. 
Kennedy  did  not  directly  respond  or  suggest  a  satisfac-
tory accommodation.  Instead, his attorneys told the media
that he would accept only demonstrative prayer on the 50-
yard line immediately after games.  During the October 23
and  October  26  games,  Kennedy  again  prayed  at  the  50-
yard line immediately following the game, while postgame
activities were still ongoing.  At the October 23 game, Ken-
nedy  kneeled  on  the  field  alone  with  players  standing
nearby.  At  the  October  26  game,  Kennedy  prayed  sur-
rounded  by  members  of  the  public,  including  state  repre-
sentatives who attended the game to support Kennedy.  The 
BHS players, after singing the fight song, joined Kennedy
at midfield after he stood up from praying. 

Photograph of J. Kennedy in prayer circle (Oct. 26, 2015).