Lose weight or you won't graduate?

For most students, going to college or university is a challenging feet all on it's own. With some programs having dropout rates of 50% or higher, it seems unthinkable to add any extra or unnecessary requirements for students to meet.

But at Lincoln University, that's exactly what they're doing.

A relatively new rule imposed in 2006 is finally about to take affect with this years graduates.

The rule stipulates that any student considered to have a Body Mass Index of 30 or greater must take a fitness course that meets three times a week. If you are assigned to the course, but fail to complete it, you don't get to graduate.

The train of thought behind this somewhat ridiculous stipulation, is that "as educators, we must tell students when we believe, in our heart of hearts, that when certain factors, certain behaviours, attitudes, whatever, are going to hinder that student from achieving and maximizing their life goals," said James DeBoy, chairman of the school's Department of health and Physical Education.

What I can't help but thinking is, this is a stupid move on Lincoln University's part.

Speaking as a woman who is, and has always been, heavy set and considered "obese", what student, coming from a similar background, is going to take the chance that after four years of hard and diligent work, still may not graduate because they don't fit into a size 14 dress/suit?

This new rule shows a blatant discrimination towards, clinically termed, "obese" men and women.

A fact Tiana Lawson, an honour student at Lincoln, brought to attention after writing an editorial published in the school's paper, The Lincolnian.

"I didn't come to Lincoln to be told that my weight is not in an acceptable range," wrote Lawson. "I came here to get an education, which as a three-time honour student, is something I have been doing quite well, despite the despite the fact that I have a slightly high Body Mass Index."

I think it's time Lincoln University open their eye's and get with the program.

According to a new weight control report published by American Sports Data Inc., 31% of Americans are "obese" with an BMI in excess of 30.0.

That's 31% of Lincolns target audience who just might think twice about attend a school who makes it just that much harder to graduate.

Not a wise decision if you ask me.

til next time,

b.sweet.