Too Fat to Graduate.

Last week CNN reported on a Pennsyvania school's too-fat-to-graduate rule which has quickly gained international attention.  That's right.  If students at Lincoln University have a body mass index of 30 or above, reflective of obesity, they must take a fitness course which meets three hours per week. Those who do not complete the class cannot graduate.  It's that simple.  Or is it?  For the full story go here.

This story raises an important question for educators - what level of health intervention is appropriate? Speaking as a former university housing professional, I sympathize with institutions of higher education trying to develop students so they have a higher rate of success in all areas of life.  Afterall, that's what higher ed is all about.  Where are the boundaries though?  Why is Lincoln University only focusing on weight and not other unhealthy behavior such as smoking, drinking, drugs, and eating disorders?   

I don't want to get too caught up in the policy details here.  Because while there may be some inherent concerns that I'd share with all of you, I think it's great to see an institution trying to create a 'reward' system for student health.  We can debate all day if the 'reward' of graduation is appropriate, if the 'measure' of BMI is the best method, or what other 'health behaviors' should be monitored.  But the main principle remains in tact - a university dared to take a stand for creating healthier students. 

In an era where 2/3 of Americans are overweight/obese and knowing that obesity is linked to most chronic diseases including pre-mature death; Lincoln University deserves some credit for trying to figure out a way to help their students learn healthy weight management.  That, at it's fundamental level, should be applauded.

What do you think?