Joe Kennedy with Michael Berry and Stephanie Taub

Sept. 22, 2022 |

The Harding University American Studies Institute hosted Washington high school football coach Joe Kennedy and attorneys Michael Berry and Stephanie Taub Thursday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the Benson Auditorium. Kennedy shared his personal story about the journey “From the 50-yard line to the Supreme Court” while Berry and Tuab shared the legal perspective of this case and others they have worked on.

Kennedy, an 18-year Marine veteran, was an assistant football coach at Bremerton High School and the central figure in the United States Supreme Court case Kennedy v. Bremerton School District . Kennedy made a commitment to God to give thanks after each game for his players’ accomplishments and for the opportunity to be part of their lives. This was met with disapproval from his district and led to a lengthy court battle. On June 27, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Kennedy and his First Amendment rights, allowing him to return to the field.

Stephanie N. Taub serves as senior counsel with First Liberty Institute, focusing on restoring religious liberty in the marketplace. She previously worked as a law clerk to the Honorable Reed O’Connor in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. She graduated from Harvard Law School and is a Blackstone Fellow.

Michael Berry is vice president of external affairs, director of military affairs and senior counsel for First Liberty Institute. Berry previously served seven years on active duty as an attorney with the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and his law degree from The Ohio State University.