Feds to investigate "Duck Dynasty" inspired redneck day at Arizona school

This story reproduced here for fair use and discussion purposes. My comments in bold.

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(This is incomprehensible to me, for several reasons. One, what is offensive about being (or pretending to be) a redneck? Two, is offensiveness illegal? Three, why is this a federal case? Four, what specific laws were broken? Read on...)

The U.S. Department of Education plans to investigate a controversial "Redneck Day" celebration two months ago at an Arizona high school.

One Queen Creek High student wore a Confederate flag during the May 1 event, which was inspired by the popular A&E show "Duck Dynasty." Civil rights activists say that created a racially hostile environment. (A flag is hostile? Here is the hostile environment: 

Wikipedia says this about why it is controversial: "The display of the Confederate flag is a highly controversial topic, generally because of disagreement over its symbolism.

"Supporters of the flag view it as a symbol of southern heritage and the independence of the distinct cultural tradition of the South from the North. Some groups use the Southern Cross as one of the symbols associated with their organizations, including groups such as the Ku Klux Klan.

"For some, the flag represents only a past era of southern sovereignty. Some historical societies such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the United Daughters of the Confederacy also use the flag as part of their symbols. Some rockabilly fans hold the Confederate flag as their emblem as well."

In other words, it's offensive if I decide it's offensive. So based on that I deem this offensive:

This is also offensive:

I'm pretty sure I don't need a rational reason why I'm offended, I just need to be offended. So call in the Feds!)

The Rev. Jarrett Maupin (Who? A reverend from the Department of Education? What about separation of church and state? This guy, appearing in the article like Melchizedek appearing to Abraham, has a storied past, which eminently qualifies him to pronounce judgment on the school district. Googling his name yields a veritable treasure trove of hyper sensitive racial watchdogism, race baiting, and outrageous antics. Can anyone guess in advance what his decision will be?) says the DOE will "determine the remedy, including moderating conversations between school administrators and civil rights community leaders to shape new policy and racism prevention measures." (Oh, I get it. The school is in trouble for allowing free speech.)

The DOE's Office for Civil Rights says "the display of the Confederate flag concerns rights protected by the First Amendment." (Well yeah. But what specifically is the concern? That people are expressing their first amendment rights improperly?)

But it also says in a letter that the investigation's scope "will be limited to whether a racially hostile environment was created due to language and actions that were not protected by the First Amendment." (Get that? The Department of Education, which somehow has the authority to interpret the Constitution - Supreme Court, step aside - is going to decide if someone is protected by the First Amendment? It wasn't long ago that I commented on a similar abrogation of authority, also regarding a government agency deigning to tell us what and what doesn't constitute free speech. Who the hell do these people think they are?)

The day was supposed to prompt kids at Queens Creek High School to dress like members of the reality show cast, but instead it was seen as offensive when students arrived at the school in stereotypical clothing. (And that is enough to bring in the Feds to determine if this was protected speech. Amazing.)

Tom Lindsey, superintendent of the Queen Creek Unified School District told azcentral.com that the day was meant to satirize “Duck Dynasty” and boost school spirit.

Still, some students and local families were offended by the dress-up day, something Lindsey apologized for shortly after the incident.

Lindsey said that the student wearing a confederate flag was pulled aside and asked to change clothes.

“It was no ill intent,” Lindsey told the Arizona publication. “We apologize to any people who, because of the word (redneck), were offended,” he said. (Too little, too late. There's blood in the water and the hysterical permanently offended tyrants are taking you down, sir. You would have done better if you'd told them to piss off and get a hobby. If they're going to be mad, at least give them a reason.

We're certainly lucky some kid didn't try to pray.)