The rationale for thanking God even for the things that seem inconsequential is that according to Christian teaching, God really does care about our every thought and need, and he appreciates it when we acknowledge him in our lives. Not that he grants our every whim, like some sort of super fairy godmother, but he is always available to listen, and craves the love of his created. For those who believe that God created them, and that he loves us as his children, and who are grateful for their lives and for all the blessings therein, this actually makes sense.
I understand the skepticism of those who do not believe in God. My responsibility as a Christian is to treat those who are not with all the respect due to any human being.
For myself, I am convinced by what I have seen and experienced that God is real.
All that being said, on the surface, it looks like suspension might be a little harsh. But they did this three days in a row??? Did they get told not to do it three days in a row and only their continued defiance and obstruction led the administration to this punishment? I seriously doubt that their reaction, whether unreasonable or not, had much to do with persecuting religion. Of course, I could be wrong. I can't see into their heads. But since I believe in God, I guess God can see into all of our heads, and he'll be in a better position than I to sort it out.
Peace, all!