One has nothing to do with the other.
Basically agreed—and expect that you will be one of the few rational posts on this thread.
Haven’t read the article, but unless there is some requirement that is being waived to allow the dude to graduate, there is no grounds for protest. Check the required boxes and then pick up the diploma.
This will give him the appropriate foundation to begin work on his college diploma in prison, although I think that prisoners ought to be employed making small rocks out of big rocks for 40 hours per week and only take classes on a very part time basis.