Document ID: ./input/supremecourt_opinions/opinions/21pdf/21-418_i425.pdf
Page Number: 40.0

Cite as:  597 U. S. ____ (2022) 

1 

ALITO, J., concurring 

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES 

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No. 21–418 
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JOSEPH A. KENNEDY, PETITIONER v. 
BREMERTON SCHOOL DISTRICT 

ON WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF 
APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT 

[June 27, 2022] 

JUSTICE ALITO, concurring. 
The expression at issue in this case is unlike that in any 
of our prior cases involving the free-speech rights of public
employees.  Petitioner’s expression occurred while at work 
but during a time when a brief lull in his duties apparently 
gave him a few free moments to engage in private activities. 
When he engaged in this expression, he acted in a purely 
private capacity.  The Court does not decide what standard 
applies  to  such  expression  under  the  Free  Speech  Clause
but holds only that retaliation for this expression cannot be 
justified based on any of the standards discussed.  On that 
understanding, I join the opinion in full.