I do remember an email from an administrator admonishing faculty not to give too many D's, F's and W's. They didn't want to lose the students. The same administrator once told us that all courses should address issues of race, gender and class.
Graduated Summa Cum Laude from a Big Ten Med School in the 80’s.
Even back then certain groups were given a pass.
They flunk a class, no biggy. Just keep taking it til you do.