I've written some articles about the problems in education today - at least regarding primary and high schools - are in essence proxy wars where the children are essentially pawns for adults who want to fight their battles through them. Based on my own memories of school I think that the average student cares infinitely less about the curriculum, which books are being banned and which are being taught or even wants to be at school at all.

I have a different perspective when it comes to college and will eventually write a seperate series on that but unlike with primary school where I think the students bare no role in the problems when it comes to college, I DO believe the student body takes a very large role in this. So I fully agree with your interpretation of it here, at least on this part.