Copyright seems not to be the same right for everyone.
Of course it isn't.
Copyright laws are relatively complex and foresee a wealth of exceptions, often for good reasons. I agree that in the present story the exceptions seem to lead to abuse by one of the parties, which is the subject of the article. The correct answer would then be to change the law. That, in turn, is subject to a complex process as laws are normally decided by an assembly of elected representatives, etc...
Laws are not designed to protect freelance photographers, they are designed under democratic control to allow a smooth functioning of society. That may require protecting freelance photographers... or not. That may require, for example, that universities get special privileges to fulfil their official mission... or not.