Lincoln University Gives Students a Lesson in Nanny State Policies

One of the chief criticisms of modern higher education is that colleges and universities seem less like places of learning than lifestyle centers. And while maintaining a reasonable weight is an important lesson that should be imparted to young people, it’s not really the place of a college to impose taking a weight loss class on overweight students, as Lincoln University in Pennsylvania has.

The mandate, which took effect for freshmen entering in fall 2006, requires students to get tested for their body mass index, a measure of weight to height.

A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Students with one that's 30 or above - considered obese - are required to take a class called "Fitness for Life," which meets three hours a week.

The course involves walking, aerobics, weight training and other physical activities, as well as information on nutrition, stress and sleep, DeBoy said.

As of this fall, James L. DeBoy, chairman of Lincoln's department of health, physical education and recreation, estimated about 80 seniors - 16 percent of the class - had not had their body mass index tested nor taken the fitness class. Some of those students will likely be exempt from taking the class once they get their BMI results, he said.

DeBoy insists those who are forced to take the class are not actually required to lose any weight or lower their BMI, which makes the policy all the more puzzling. So it’s just an awareness thing? Our culture already does a good job of hammering the point home that being obese is a health hazard and generally not a desirable state to be. Any why single out overweight people if the school is in the habit or telling people how to live. Why no health class for smokers?

No doubt these required health classes aren’t a free service of the college, which means this amounts to a body size fee at this school. Frankly, I don’t know how the policy has survived even three years. Or why it’s only drawing attention now.

(H/T to Hugging Harold Reynolds)

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.