> And what power did most of these professors have if not their minds?
You're completely missing the point. Their academic careers put them in a position where their role was literally to shape and influence the next generation. As they were not fervent supporters, their role posed a threat to the regime. They could be profoundly dumb or grossly incompetent professors for what its worth. It's just that they didn't lockstep with the regime and the regime didn't wanted to risk it.
And what power did most of these professors have if not their minds? This does not go against my assertion, it sounds like a "no" just to say "no"
Read what it was actually like:
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0001275005.pdf