In 2006 Lincoln University, a Pennsylvania private black college receiving public funding, mandated a physical fitness course for graduation. Now some soon-to-graduate seniors who would be rated as “obese”, as well as other outsiders, are critical of the policy.
School officials state that Lincoln University is concerned about high rates of obesity and diabetes, especially in the African-American community. A normal body mass index (BMI) falls between 18.5 and 24.9.
For evaluation purposes, students with a BMI of 30 or above are considered obese and required to take a three unit course entitled “Fitness for Life”.
Dr. James DeBoy, chairman of the school's Department of Health and Physical Education, explains that the class involves walking, aerobics, weight training and other physical activities, as well as information on nutrition, stress and sleep. It is considered an easy one unit of credit meeting three hours per week. It requires attendance and participation, but is one which addresses the obesity epidemic which plagues the U.S. presently.
Tiana Lawson, a 21 year old student who hopes to graduate this year, wrote last week in the school’s newspaper she "didn't come to Lincoln to be told that my weight is not in an acceptable range. I came here to get an education."
She told CNN that she had been putting off getting her BMI tested until this year, and recently found out she would have to take the class. While angry at first, she describes herself now as more “confused” about the requirement.
Lawson commented that she felt larger students were being singled out. "If Lincoln truly is concerned about everyone being healthy, then everyone should have to take this gym class, not just people who happen to be bigger,".
All undergraduate students must take a semester class of health, physical education and recreation (HPR) as a part of their core curriculum. The “Fitness for Life” course is added to focus upon the obese individual.
Dr. DeBoy stresses that students are not required to lose weight or lower their BMI. They must only pass the class through attendance and participation.
Obesity increases a person's risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, some cancers and other ailments. African-Americans were 1.4 times as likely to be obese as non-Hispanic whites in 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. About four out of five African-American women are overweight or obese, the agency said.
BMI is not a perfect measure of obesity. As a result, students also have their waist circumference measured, according to Dr. DeBoy. There are some people who have a high BMI because of their muscle mass and are not actually obese. The waist measurement is meant to eliminate those in that category.
Dr. DeBoy explains that 620 students have either tested out or taken the course, with 80 still remaining to get their BMI evaluated. He estimates that from 12 to 15 students will be required to take the fitness class in January in order to graduate.
The Lincoln University graduation requirement can be satisfied/completed by doing any one of the following:
(a) Test out (earned a BMI of less than 30)
(b) Pass the “old” HPR 102: Lifetime Sports class
(c) Pass HPR 103: Fitness for Life
(d) Pass an approved “physical activity course” at another college (must be transferred to LU)
According to the minutes from a faculty meeting, Dr. Dana Flint, philosophy professor and school athletic representative, pointed out that the course requirement was putting an extra burden on some students because of their weight. Another concern was the legal aspects of all of this.
Dr. DeBoy responded that morally as a university Lincoln has an obligation to notify students that their health might hinder them in their performance as student.
"We, as educators, must tell students when we believe, in our heart of hearts, when certain factors, certain behaviors, attitudes, whatever, are going to hinder that student from achieving and maximizing their life goals," he said.
Dr. DeBoy added, "Moreover, if there were unlimited resources, the fitness opportunities would be for all students, but that is not the reality."
Be sure to become a part of the article by hitting the "Comment" icon and stating your opinion.
If you hit the "Subscribe" icon above, you will receive a brief notice whenever Peter McBride publishes.
Comments
Did anyone consider the "Pandoras Box" element to this decision? Dont think that for one minute your requirement isnt going to stir up a new problem like anorexia and/or bulemia with the students that dont want to take that extra class because they are not into physical fitness. I know plenty of "skinny" people that are not healthy, however, their BMI would never give them away. Eliminate the segregation and make it manditory across the board.
OMG!!!- They said they want to make it mandatory for all students, they just don't have the funds. Universities across the country are facing harsh realities when it comes to their annual budget, and implementing a huge change like that where it has to be for 100% of the students is flat out unrealistic at this time.
I applaud Lincoln for this decision, and I hope health/physical education becomes mandatory once again. In a time where P.E. is being cut altogether from high school, we are seeing diabetes and obesity rates skyrocket. Does anybody really think that's a coincidence?
Great report!
Lincoln should be applauded for its desire to address an important issue, but I do agree that this move is singling out only certain students. If physical education classes are part of the core program for all undergraduates, why not simply address the lifestyle & health issues by asking all phys.ed. teachers to cover them?
There may be an interest in having a separate class where students who are overweight or who feel clumsy in regular athletics classes can feel safe, but students who would rather take other phys.ed. classes should be free to do so.
An average BMI in college is not necessarily an indicator of a healthy lifestyle - it may just take a few years before poor eating habits & lack of exercise catch up with some students. All students should receive healthy living education & support, and if it is to be required for graduation, then all students should take the course.
I agree ALL should take the class if its going to be required of any. I wasnt overweight in college AT ALL. Had I been required to take that class and the stats been shown to me of how the Standard American Diet (SAD) would eventually catch up with me I might have avoided the issues I have now. Underweight students are just as at risk of issues btw.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!