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.

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.