Too Fat to Graduate?

Can you imagine being told that you were too fat to graduate from college?  That could never happen right? Well that is exactly what is happening at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.  In 2006 the school board decided to measure the Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference of all incoming freshmen, to determine if they are overweight or not.  Any student that is determined overweight is required to complete a one-semester course called "Fitness for Life" that meets for three hours a week. 

James DeBoy, chairman of the school's Department of Health and Physical Education, stated in a 2009 article on http://www.cnn.com/  that the requirement is "just like courses to help students' communications or math proficiency."  And that "as educators, we must tell students when we believe, in our heart of hearts, that certain factors, certain behaviors, attitudes, whatever, are going to hinder that student from achieving and maximizing their life goals."

There has been a great deal of criticism from students and outsiders alike, claiming that this is discrimination, and I agree.  First of all, why is it that just those who are deemed overweight have to take this course?  All of the university's students could benefit from the knowledge gained in this course and they should have the opportunity to take it if they so choose.  However, the university claims "a lack of resources" is the reason they are allowing (or should I say forcing) only the overweight students to enroll. 

Also, I know that obesity is a hot topic right now, but why is the school board only concerned with weight?  Why not make all the students who smoke, take a class on the dangers of smoking before they can graduate?  Shouldn't they find those students who abuse alcohol and demand that they attend AA sessions? Aren't these also hindering factors and behaviors that Mr. Deboy is so concerned about?  Yes, the dangers and risks of obesity are real, but weight is not the only aspect of health.  I'd be willing to bet that plenty of Lincoln University's "skinny" students are leading unhealthy lives.

If Lincoln University really wants to their students to be healthy they should focus on the community, as a whole.  I question what they are serving in their cafeterias and what kind of snacks and drinks are available in their vending machines?  Is the campus surrounded by fast food chains or is there a decent grocery store nearby?  And what about the faculty and staff? Are they being held to the same standards as the students?  I dare them to implement a rule that mandates health education in order to ensure an overweight professor's tenure!

Now, don't get me wrong.  I do believe that there is a place for health education in schools.  In fact, I think they have a social responsibility to create, encourage and support a healthy environment for their students through some of the strategies I mentioned above.  However, the policy that Lincoln University has implemented takes it too far and frankly is a little frightening.  If they can do this, just imagine what is next! Hopefully my next blog won't be titled: Too Fat for a Promotion?