Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you and the author of this piece are making exactly the same point -- and it's a really good one. Just as police are now willing to be more aggressive when needed, average individuals (mostly men) also need to recognize when it's time to actively fight back against evil.
True, but he entirely ignores the critical question of the weapons available for that defense.
Focusing on the fact that they didn't even try is an important part of the issue, but only a part. If all they had available to them for that fight was books, pens and calculators, then it's a bit more understandable that they didn't feel strong enough to do something. Don't get me wrong, they could have done something, and should have. But when the bad guy has a gun and you don't, it profoundly changes the psychology involved.
So, yes, I agree with the author. But he left out a major part of the discussion by ignoring the RKBA and specifically concealed-carry on college campuses. (campii?)