I think this lawsuit is somewhat stupid. Of course it all depends on the exact circumstances, the way the songs were presented, the reason they were selected etc.

Being german, I know only one of the mentioned songs, "He's got the whole world in his hands", which I actually really like. Yes, it repeats itself alot, but it has a very catchy tune, one of those songs that makes you want to sing along and that sticks in the head.

Many of the American spirituals and gospels are great for chorus singing, in particular for children and beginners. "Oh when the saints go marching in" has in my opinion the best and most cheerful tune anyone ever came up with and it would be a real tragedy if American school children would have to have music lessons leaving out what is arguably one of the most influencial music styles in American history. The blues and ultimately all modern rock and pop music stems from these roots.

Long story short, in my opinion this is akin to eliminating the word "nigger" from Mark Twain novels.