We’re all about the wellness here at the Precept Employee Benefits Blog. And why shouldn’t we be? Healthy lifestyles bear loads of good things – reduced costs to both employees and employers, reduced risk of disease, reduced stress, etc. The number of companies offering wellness programs is increasing all the time. I would venture to guess that 99.99% of those wellness programs are voluntary. Sure, there may be higher premiums for those who choose not to participate, but that’s their choice.
So, given that, what do we think about Lincoln University’s new rule that overweight students – BMI of 30 or higher – must take a fitness class in order to graduate? Lincoln University in Pennsylvania is a private school; just like a company, they should be able to create their own rules (within the boundaries of law, of course), right? Or is this going too far? Vote in the poll below, and let me know your thoughts in the comments.
#1 by Bill Cooper on December 3rd, 2009
Neither of your voting choices is correct. The answer is NO. Because the BMI index is not an accurate measure of a person’s health/fitness.
#2 by John Gregorio on December 3rd, 2009
That is infact true, BMI is not 100% correct. I’m sure that the school administrators can make that exception based on other factors.
#3 by Cliff on December 3rd, 2009
Wellness is a choice! If Lincoln University decided to make it a requirement (for those with a BMI of 30 or higher) to take a fitness class then so be it. If I were a student there and didn’t agree with that requirement I would simply “choose” to go to another school. Otherwise I would honor that requirement and take the course. Besides, the fitness class would likely be good for me anyway.
I really appreciate those who take the initiative in improving or maintaining their health, especially even before someone comes along and “forces” or encourages that sort of healthy behavior.
#4 by Travis Kiger on December 3rd, 2009
Private colleges should be able to put whatever they want in their contracts – if students don’t like it, they will take their money elsewhere.
Public universities are an entirely different monster. A citizen’s weight is no business of the state.
#5 by Anonymous on December 3rd, 2009
Private schools have the authority to set their own graduation requirements, this is not discriminatory.
#6 by ceebee on December 4th, 2009
Unreal. The rules/requirements should be for everyone. Not for a specific class or target. That’s discrimination.
Schools in general are just a joke and a waste of money. Schools are nothing but broken promises and dreams. They teach people nothing of real value. The only thing schools teach is how to be subservient under a “one world government”. No free thinking, no creativity, no independence in schools.
Better off using the internet for learning and education. You learn a lot more than being inside the box. A degree/diploma is nothing but a piece of paper.
#7 by ken on December 4th, 2009
this is way to fundamental my dear Watson!
#8 by fran melmed on December 9th, 2009
hi, i think it’s important to note that LU addressed why they aren’t applying it to everyone (not enough funds), that there is no requirement other than to take the class, and that they consider this as another way to help students get a leg up, as obesity affects lifetime earnings. i asked the same question and had some limited debate on the subject: http://bit.ly/5lcWPc.
#9 by Lexi Ruben on December 14th, 2009
Glad that some of the commenters mentioned that when you go the actual article, the university does in fact address two key issues: 1) BMI is used as a starting point, but there are other factors that are considered when determining who qualifies for the requirement; and 2) there were financial concerns that restricted them from making the requirement applicable to everyone.
Thank you everyone for your thoughts and comments!