Nah. This guy was awesome. Of course he can supersede rules beyond his position. That’s “free speech” and tenure, and exactly what Universities have traditionally been about. He’s making a stand based on what he thinks is right. The students are free to do the same, of course, with all the repercussions that entail. In this case, the repercussion was obvious. Don’t play chicken with someone who has nothing to lose.

I don't think the student was playing chicken here. She probably wanted to attend the class she paid to attend subject to the policies she agreed to when she enrolled, pass her exams, and get an A.

So? I've had professors ask for things I thought were ridiculous, walked out of the class and changed to a different one. Tough titty.