I tweeted yesterday, "they're (schools, employers, insurers, government) going to make it as uncomfortable to live + work fat, as possible" ...Bloggers + news circles have been abuzz with advocacy and distaste, over the graduation mandates of Lincoln University students (a historically black institution). A course requirement entitled, "Fitness for Life" implemented in 2006, for individuals with an "obese" body mass index rating.
"No student should ever be able to leave Lincoln and not know the risks of obesity. I see it as my professional responsibility to be honest and tell students they’re not healthy," said James L. DeBoy, Chair of Lincoln’s Health, Physical Education Department.
Opposing with her co-worker's statements, Dr. Yvonne Hilton; a professor in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation department at Lincoln chimes, "I don't necessarily agree with the BMI being a requirement. It is understood that obesity in America is growing fast, but maybe there should have been a different approach in informing the students about their health and building their awareness."
1. I am anticipating this news will be a likely deterrent for prospective heavier students. Not directly, but should you be a HS senior, who happens to be overweight ... Lincoln University will plausibly NOT be on your list of potentials. I'm curious to know if this is the underling intention of the school?
2. The stigma that comes with being big as it is, added, everyone's consciousness that school officials are watching your weight too - could be emotionally detrimental. Especially, in a socially-crazed environment, like a college campus. An arena where some are being introduced to adulthood and are the most fragile amidst "finding themselves".
3. If any demographic knows of disparities and discrimination in America, it's blacks. Once turned away from education for our appearance ... it seems to be subtly happening again - although, imposed from within. My mom disagreed with me and told me it's better that we are realistic, expect more and are harder on ourselves. She's from the old school, but I get what she's saying. You know the, we have to study longer, run harder, jump higher ... to be accepted. The unspoken "black rule".
4. I see this as a trend, that's only going to grow at all opportunities. I work for a fortune 500 company, who is falling in line with a plethora of private sector firms being bombarded with increased obesity-related medical costs; taking penalty measures to the overweight. We have "voluntary" wellness programs, but should you not volunteer, you'll notice your paycheck is a tinge lighter effective 2010 - due to new "associate health and productivity fees". Let's not forget, the proposed "fat" taxes, on insured obese Americans. We're grown, I guess we can handle those consequences ... But, is trickling down to college students going too far? Who's next ... our high schoolers?
I supposed my main offense to this, is people are being forced to lose weight. A force that threatens livelihoods; making you pay more, or in this case, not allowing you to receive those credentials you've spent years applying yourself to acquire. I feel it takes away from the experience of willingness, the beauty of a personal decision, and integral effort. Fear moves people, but it does not always inspire, shouldn't that be the purpose?
I am an advocate for weight loss, and better health. I commend there are classes that address the epidemic of obesity, and it's disproportionate rates in the black community. It's fact, heart disease, diabetes and other preventable ailments, are killing us! But I'm with others, when I say - make it a requirement for ALL STUDENTS, if you're in fact concerned on how lifestyles/physical appearance translate into the post-collegiate world. ~PC
Other sources and commentary:
The Lincolnian Online: "BMI Requirement Causes Uproar" by Sharifa Riley
The Grio: "Lincoln University Shouldn't Throw it's Weight Around" by Charlton McIlwain
BBC: "US university links exam success to weight loss" by Helena Merriman
Yahoo! Health: "pa. university students upset about fitness class" by Kathy Matheson
Inside HigerEd: "A Different Kind of Test" by Jennifer Epstein
16 comments:
We have started an iPetition to address this discriminatory Lincoln University course. Please view and sign and forward the link. Thanks!
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/WeightDiscrimination/
I used to go to Lincoln before I transferred to Drexel. I am a little mixed on the school's decision but leaning towards not favoring it. Sure the students need help getting healthier and education is the best way but the campus enviornment does not cater to the lifestyle they want their students to have. The main attraction in the cafeteria is pizza and burgers with an adjacent KFC! There are alot of people there who think there's an alterior motive to singling out big people. There's something weird going on.
If they knew about this in 2006, why are they fussing now?
I think it's a great idea. Your mom is right Paula, if anyone needs to hold minorities responsible it's us. We have to do better and if it takes things like this, I'm with it.
Whether we like it or not mark my words lovely Madame, this is going to become common practice for any school that receives federal funding. The healthcare bill is going to make sure of it.
This is RIDAMDICULOUS.
It's an invasion of privacy. If they want to assist students this is the wrong way to go about it. What about kids who smoke or have unprotected sex any mandatory classes for them?
I work in the admissions department of a private college and as you stated in point one, prospective overweight high school students may be leery of attending an institution such as Lincoln University. If I worked in Lincoln’s admissions department I would be very concerned about the enrollment numbers for the upcoming years to come. However, I have to somewhat agree with your mother. It is time for the African American community to step up in the area of our general health and weight loss. I believe this class should be mandatory for ALL students at Lincoln and not just ones with a BMI of 30 or higher. I have a strong feeling this trend is not going to just stop at Lincoln.
P.S.- This is an excellent post!
This is definitely another great post Paula! Were you ever on a debate team? LOL I can always sense the passion you bring to these subjects and I totally appreciate that you address it.
I do agree that more measures like this are going to spring up. It does however, seem daunting at the thought that not only are people struggling with weight issues on the inside.....their body is a talking point in someone's academic curriculum and company boardroom.
It's drastic and invasive but on the flip, Americans are not getting the point that Obesity is going to be our demise. It's pivotal that heavier people know that is no way to live. And that their lifestyles are going to keep them from certain jobs and in the long run is going to be expensive.
Two words- Big Brother! We're the scapegoats. People should lose at their own will dont hold my degree up.
Great post Paula! I hadn't heard about this. I'm still torn at this point, I see your POV though.
i dont think it will hurt anything. maybe a few feelings but they need to be prepped for the real world.
i'd voluntarily sign up for a class like that, but to single out only obese/overweight individuals as a mandate seems counterproductive.
I think it should be for everyone.
I'm not overweight by any means but I think the arguments would have held more cred if they opposed of it in 2006.
my problem with the whole situation is that the school is being hypocritical. go on that campus and anyone will tell you that there is nothing "healthy" to eat. the vending machines, the kfc (like somebody said already) theres a chinese place and a mcdonalds. they also limited the hours you can even use the gym!!! hypocrites!!!
I support Lincoln U of PA making moves to have healthier students, but I feel that ALL students should have to go through the classes. Blacks suffer from disporpotionate numbers of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, etc...In part due to unhealthy eating and lack of exercise. All students should have the tools to live healthily. Your BMI alone is not necessarily an indicator of healthy eating & exercising habits.
Unfortunately, too many college campuses have far too little choices for healthy eating. I wonder how many choices Lincoln U - PA has?
There is enough challenges to being a new grad looking for employment add to that the challenge of being black & overweight. I can not blame Lincoln for wanting their students to have one less hurdle.
I'm a HBCU grad of the Lincoln University of Missouri. So, I love what this HBCU is doing, and hope others implement it too. But, with a focus on all students not just some.
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