College Students Unable To Graduate Because They Are Over Weight

Most college students expect to receive their diplomas on the basis of grades, but at a Pennsylvania school, physical fitness matters too. Students at Lincoln University with a body mass index of 30 or above, reflective of obesity, must take [...]

Most college students expect to receive their diplomas on the basis of grades, but at a Pennsylvania school, physical fitness matters too.

Students at Lincoln University with a body mass index of 30 or above, reflective of obesity, must take a fitness course that meets three hours per week. Those who are assigned to the class but do not complete it cannot graduate.

Now that the first class to have this requirement imposed is nearing graduation day — students who entered in the fall of 2006 — the school faces criticism from both students and outsiders about the fitness class policy.

Lawson, who told CNN she had been putting off getting her BMI tested until this year, recently found out she would have to take the class. At first angry, Lawson said she is now more “confused” about the requirement.

But James DeBoy, chairman of the school’s Department of Health and Physical Education, says the requirement is just like courses to help students’ communications or math proficiency. The faculty also has a priority to be honest with students, he said.

“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.

Source: CNN

This is the first case I have come across in a long time where certain people may be eligible to graduate because if they don’t meet weight requirements. As a nation who has certainly been struggling with obesity we can not discriminate  just because they are heavier. Perhaps this college or other institutions should encourage instead of further the problem by making students unable to get a diploma. It’s important that remember that  obesity also has a large affect on our emotional state. When we encourage others instead of putting more pressure on them physically and emotionally we tend to get a better outcome. Just a thought.

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