Historically black school in Pa. drops required fitness class for obese students

Pa. school drops required fitness class for obese

OXFORD, Pa. — Obese students at a historically black college near Philadelphia won’t have to take a fitness class to graduate after all.

Lincoln University faculty nixed the idea this week amid complaints the so-called “fat course” undermined a school principle of equal treatment.

The school had initiated the policy to address high rates of obesity and diabetes, especially in the African-American community.

About 80 students had gotten e-mails saying they had to take the fitness course to graduate. The plan was to target students with a body mass index of 30 or above. That’s considered obese.

The “Fitness for Life” course will instead be suggested to certain students after a freshman wellness class that addresses a number of health issues.

Information from: Philadelphia Daily News, www.philly.com