PROVIDENCE, R.I.—A federal judge says she needs more information to make a decision in a lawsuit brought by parents of Pawtucket school students against the city's top parks and recreation official over claims he gave preferential treatment to a Catholic school.
The lawsuit claims William Mulholland and other Pawtucket officials gave St. Raphael Academy, a parochial school, preferential use of public athletic fields over Pawtucket public schools. The parents, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, say this violates the separation of church and state. City officials deny any favoritism.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs and defendants presented arguments for summary judgment in U.S. District Court in Providence Thursday.
Chief Judge Mary Lisi says she would need to consider arguments and review additional information from the parties before making a decision.
