Coaching? Injustice?

One of my coworkers told me an interesting story today:

One of his students, a wrestler, earned a 2.5% in his class first marking period and a 20% in his class second marking period. Wrestler is currently working (as in, not) toward 0% right now.

Wrestler's has been disrespectful to my colleague all year; however, his behavior has mysteriously improved over the past two weeks. Turns out there is a major wrestling meet this weekend, and the wrestling coach has only recently decided to enforce a longstanding academic guideline: If a student is failing any class, he or she cannot compete in athletic events.

Anyway, Wrestler went to his coach to ask if he could compete this weekend despite the fact that he is failing FOUR classes this marking period. His coach asked to speak to each of Wrestler's teachers. The coach explained to each teacher in turn that Wrestler was one of his star athletes and was nearly guaranteed to win a medal in this weekend's competition. If each teacher could change Wrestler's grade to a 65, if only for the weekend, the coach would be much obliged.

The coach was unfazed about asking this favor. It seemed like a perfectly rational request: Pass this kid so he'll be able to compete, and then we'll all go home happy.

Three out of four teachers gave in. When Wrestler approached my colleague about speaking with his coach, he was one grade away from participating in the competition.

My coworker did not end up relenting, making himself the bad guy. The kid is pissed, the coach is pissed, and the other teachers gave in for nothing. But wait a moment! Why on earth did three teachers agree to change Wrestler's grade? What kind of message is that sending to a teenager? Why do we all contribute to shoving issues underneath the rug and then vacuuming that rug to make it appear nice and glossy?

It's been five and a half months, and I am still shocked at how hard we try to fail our kids.