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So it seems the discrimination card has been drawn again in the name of health and obesity. A college university in Pennsylvania has decided to do something about the overtly-apparent obesity problem we have in the United States.
“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.”
So now it comes down to paying for a degree, then IF you so happen to be ‘overweight’, you cannot get your degree you are paying for –unless you enroll in the required fitness class.
- Discrimination maybe?
- A bold move to improve the state of our population you say?
I for one think it’s awesome, but it could be modified a bit. I love the idea and the precipice behind it, but it seems that it only applies to the students that ‘flag’ for obesity? A student at the university is speaking out on this:
“One of those students is Tiana Lawson, 21, whose recent editorial in the student paper has drawn national attention to the issue. Lawson wrote in The Lincolnian that she would be more understanding if the requirement applied to everyone. She thinks all students, not just those with a high BMI, should have to take the class.”
I agree 100%. If you want to make the difference – make it a blanket requirement. That way there is no possibility of it being misconstrued as discrimination. I can understand the university’s thinking behind their intention – but why not make it universal?
I also think this is a GREAT idea at its core. What better way to make a difference in the lives of our young adults by challenging them to think more about their health when they need it the most – before it’s too late. How can you argue with improving your health?
Obesity is a huge problem. So huge that it’s draining our economy, milking our health insurance and robbing families by cutting lives short. How can this endeavor by this university be so wrong?
*UPDATE* – Seems the university in question has dropped the new rule. Read it here: College drops required fitness class for obese
