BMI Requirement Causes Uproar
Some protest decision to make class a graduation requirement
Sharifa Riley
Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: News
Lincoln University students will now have to endure a physical exam determining each student's BMI (body mass index) before they are permitted to graduate. An individual's BMI measures the amount of body fat.
Amid fierce criticisms, Lincoln University has recently installed a new requirement for its undergraduate students. If your BMI is over 30, you are required to take a physical education class.
This new requirement has caused an uproar from some students and professors who argue that the university is actively discriminating against those who are obese. Some students argue that their time at Lincoln may be prolonged because of an additional class.
University officials say that they are actively working to increase the health of their students, but many have their doubts.
"What's the point of this? What does my BMI have to do with my academic overcome?" asked Dionard Henderson, a freshman. "Some students on campus are just confused why a certain BMI has to be a requirement. Are there not a sufficient amount of prerequisites to complete prior to graduating from college?
Dr. James L. DeBoy, who is Chair and Professor of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation could not be reached for comment.
Sophomore Lousie Kaddie disagrees with the requirement.
"It's not up to Lincoln to tell me how much my BMI should be. I came here to get a degree and that's what the administration should be concerned with," she added
Amid fierce criticisms, Lincoln University has recently installed a new requirement for its undergraduate students. If your BMI is over 30, you are required to take a physical education class.
This new requirement has caused an uproar from some students and professors who argue that the university is actively discriminating against those who are obese. Some students argue that their time at Lincoln may be prolonged because of an additional class.
University officials say that they are actively working to increase the health of their students, but many have their doubts.
"What's the point of this? What does my BMI have to do with my academic overcome?" asked Dionard Henderson, a freshman. "Some students on campus are just confused why a certain BMI has to be a requirement. Are there not a sufficient amount of prerequisites to complete prior to graduating from college?
Dr. James L. DeBoy, who is Chair and Professor of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation could not be reached for comment.
Sophomore Lousie Kaddie disagrees with the requirement.
"It's not up to Lincoln to tell me how much my BMI should be. I came here to get a degree and that's what the administration should be concerned with," she added
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 54
Rev. Jerry S. Fontaine
posted 11/17/09 @ 1:28 PM EST
I think the BMI requirement is an excellent idea.
Our community struggles with health issues, it is time
to address the problem and educate our family. (Continued…)
Las Vegas Movers | Long distance moving Las Vegas
posted 11/18/09 @ 4:29 PM EST
Quote:
"I don't necessarily agree with the BMI being a requirement," said Dr. Yvonne Hilton, a professor in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation department. (Continued…)
Tim
posted 11/19/09 @ 10:33 AM EST
Watch for enrollment to take a nosedive.
Lauren Jones
posted 11/19/09 @ 12:15 PM EST
Do they really want to lose talented students with BMI's over 30 who decide to attend other universities because of this?
I know I wouldn't choose to go here if this were a requirement and I was over the limit. (Continued…)
jerry watts
posted 11/20/09 @ 1:34 AM EST
What is going on at these predominantly black colleges?This BMI requirement is the dumbest thing that I have heard since Morehouse college announced that its students had to dress in a "masculine" manner-after all God forbid a Morehouse cross-dresser or a Morehous trans-sexual. (Continued…)
mkw
posted 11/20/09 @ 9:08 AM EST
Here's my take on it, for what it's worth: First, why only target obese people? If this is something that they're going to do, help everybody, not just the ones that might seem to need it most. (Continued…)
JC
posted 11/20/09 @ 12:43 PM EST
As a college administrator, the policy as described definitely singles out one specific group of students. Those students are then subjected to a required course that will further segregate them from the remainder of the student population. (Continued…)
Francis
posted 11/20/09 @ 10:47 PM EST
As alum of LU, I think it's great that the university wishes to encourage the students in becoming healthier. The practices for fitness and healthy eating, which the university should teach, may help to eliminate future health problems that are prevalent in the black community (i. (Continued…)
Catta
posted 11/21/09 @ 12:44 AM EST
With respect, I must vehemently oppose this ridiculous requirement. It doesn't just discriminate against people based on their appearance. It presumes that people with the high BMI are both too "stupid" and too "lazy" to exercise unless they are led by the hand and given an "incentive. (Continued…)
Jedidiah Jones
posted 11/21/09 @ 4:47 AM EST
This world has gone completely knucking futts! We are living the movie "Idiocracy"
I DO NOT have an oz. of fat on me (body builder) and my BMI is considered "high". (Continued…)
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