Yes it was, though I feel no pity for these kids forced to go to college for a year nor do I think the rules should be changed.
Pity is a strange choice of words. I don't feel pity for anyone, although I'm on rare occasion guilty of empathy. I'm still however capable of outrage when the force of government is brought to bear to abrogate personal liberty for the alleged greater good, whether collective or individual. Some people don't mind the government's boot in the other guy's face but I know it's only a matter of time until its in mine.