Wow, you make a lot of assumptions here. Ignoring all of that, what the parent finds striking is the mentality. It doesn't matter of this is a fight for civil liberties or a "miniscule" (sic) squabble, as you put it. The idea that a student can and will stand up against authority over something he believes in is not commonplace in every country around the globe.

Why you felt the need to use that idea to bash on (your stereotypical view of) ivy leaguers is beyond me.