I'm sure these kids didn't wake up one day and say "Did you guys realize that our university president is a privileged white guy?! Let's get him!" Whether you think the response was appropriate or not, it's likely that there's a legitimate grievance in there somewhere.

And that makes the response worse, IMO. Rather than engaging in dignified discussion about the issues, the scorched earth tactics the protesters are taking just cement opinions on both sides, rather than fostering understanding.