I attended midwestern University in Wichita Falls and Texas Tech University in Lubbock Texas. The outstanding thing I remember is that a number of Israeli and Palestine students were in my classes. These students were also being trained by the US Air Force at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls. All were perfect gentlemen until the subject of the Middle East was brought up then over and again they almost went to fisticuffs with each other. It seemed they hated each other.
It has always amazed me how quick someone can do a 180 with just the mention of a sore subject. It can be like night and day in a matter of seconds.
Good for him for turning off the recorders!! In my experience, part of the college experience and learning came from the discussions held in class, asking questions of the professor, and speaking with my fellow students before and after class. If a student doesn't bodily show up for class, they miss out on that.