I would hope there's more to the story but somehow I doubt it. It says they went in there to test the perception that they wouldn't be welcome simply for their

I would hope there's more to the story but somehow I doubt it. It says they went in there to test the perception that they wouldn't be welcome simply for their political views. So it stands to reason they probably would make it a point to not make a fuss and see if they were approached. If that's really the case, I agree it was really poorly handled. On the other hand, as bristly as I know young progressives/liberals can be (we can be) I also wouldn't put it past the other students to be a bit obnoxious and trying to draw attention to their hats in an effort to have their point proven. Regardless you're right, not the path forward.