Eugenean, this is (IMO) like dragging kids into the divorce. 
To perhaps protest something on the national level, or something of broad scope, that is different - IMO. Students can and hopefully do read newspapers or are somehow informed of current events.
How these students were informed of this decision is not mentioned in the article. Did Mr H spill his guts, hoping to get a bunch of students riled up? 
Also - it ain't over till she sings and he's got another year to meet whatever standards are set.