A federal judge on Monday heard opening statements in the case of a group of parents who have filed a lawsuit against the Pawtucket's top parks and recreation official over claims he gave preferential treatment to a Catholic school.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs and defendants presented arguments in U.S. District Court in Providence.
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 Rhode Island Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, said it's a violation of the separation of church and state.
"It's a first amendment case about Pawtucket giving preferential treatment to Catholic schools over the public schools," said parent Maggie Rogers. "I would like to see justice, see city taxpayers not subsidizing treatment for Catholic schools, and I would like to see our public schools get what they should get on the public fields."
City officials have denied any favoritism. NBC 10's attempts to contact the city solicitor went unsuccessful.
The lawsuit was filed in 2009.
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