It's difficult to say where civil rights or feminism would be without the universities. It's entirely possible that recycling your single Mountain Dew can isn't going to have any effect on the greenhouse effect. But if everyone recycles their can, an impact will soon be seen. Similarly, a movement on one campus for monitoring of accused sweatshops isn't likely to have a great impact. But once the ball gets rolling, and once dozens of universities join in, something can change.
Social change requires a critical mass of support.
As in many social interactions where the net effect on society will be positive, those that take up the banner first, and most devoutly, will be the ones that face the consequences of the movement. The civil rights movement could never have taken hold in mainstream American politics if it were not for the sacrifices of the men and women that first brought the issues to the attention of the public. These initiators are among the true heroes of America. Those that stand up for what they believe in, and stand up before the rest of the country, deserve our respect, despite their cause. Like any group, these movements can be misguided.