I have a slightly different take. I think that there is a an element of the "15 seconds of fame" in this one. In a crowded field of Liberal attention seekers, it is becoming more and more difficult to get a glimmer of the spotlight. So, it would seem, that they are trying to out-Liberal one another, to see who can come up with the most outrageous statements with the thinnest line back to any reality.
Just when you think that the last Liberal "philosopher" has come up with the most bizarre collection of unwarranted conclusions, another one steps forward and says "hold my beer."
If they wanted students to think for themselves, they wouldn't be doing just about everything that they are doing. The worst news is that every one of the current plans for education will only make it worse, IMHO.