I disagreed with Kirk on a number of issues, but at the same time he was a showman. College is a scam? For some it is. But for others it is a sound investment. Pointing out that you should be careful and deliberative doesn't attract attention like saying college is a scam. But in the end he was a showman, and certainly met a demand for differing voices on campus.
I went to a suburban high school near where he attended. I went to some of the best universities in the country and the segregated high schools really could set you up very well., He of course didn't dwell on this. You could be educated by virtue of graduating from these high schools.
In any event I would not underestimate the impact of Kirk being made a martyr. It will be raised by many in a political context.