After hearing arguments for summary judgment today, a federal judge in Rhode Island is not yet ready to rule in a case challenging the city of Pawtucket's use of athletic fields, according to a Boston Globe report. Plaintiffs claim religious bias contributed to decisions by city officials in determining who gets to make use of the public parks.
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.
Stay tuned.
