It was the Waxham Elementary School in North Carolina where this occurred.
You know what I thought of when I read that?
Years ago a teacher did an experiment with blue-eyed students and brown-eyed. One group was elected to be the targets of hate. Based on eye color. The point being obvious.
I think that teacher was hailed for doing that to show what bigotry/racism is like for the target.
Could that have been the true motive or was it something more sinister and up to date. BEING RACIST PROUD OUT LOUD?
I dunno.