[umm_what]

I suppose they could have recognized it as something that has the potential to have a profound negative effect on a young black child's psyche. Racism, even subltle racism, can challenge your sense of self-worth and belonging, and ultimately make you feel like "less" of a person. It sounds like his son was struggling with some of those feelings and school officials could have attempted to help him through it.

[facepalm]

So offer counseling? OK, fair enough, that would be an idea.

Edit: not sure about the US, but in Germany universities have counselor offices that are always open to students. But perhaps sometimes it is a good idea to actively encourage somebody to seek counseling.