Now one college is taking a controversial stand against its student's obesity.  Lincoln University has given its plump students an ultimatum -- take a fitness course that meets three hours per week or don't graduate.

The university has began testing its students body mass indexes.  Those with a BMI above 30 kg/m² must enroll in the fitness course.  The requirement was rolled out a couple years ago, but is just now gaining attention as the first class of students affected, those entering in the fall of 2006, will soon be looking to graduate.  To make sure those with overly muscular physique (which can give abnormally high BMI) don't get improperly singled out, the school also screens by waist size.

Many of the larger members of the student body are filled with rage, confusion, and/or frustration at the new policy.  Tiana Lawson, 21, an admittedly obese editor for the school's student newspaper, The Lincolnian, wrote a terse review of the policy, saying it is unfair to single out those overweight and demand they exercise.  She writes, "I didn't come to Lincoln to be told that my weight is not in an acceptable range.  came here to get an education which, as a three-time honor student, is something I have been doing quite well, despite the fact that I have a slightly high Body Mass Index."

She concludes, "I'm never going to be comfortable with this class, but I think I would more understanding if this was a requirement for everyone. While I don't think it was the university's intention to make us feel excluded, that is precisely what they have done.   So for now, I'm going to bite the bullet and take the class. Not because Lincoln is requiring me to, (I actually passed the test) but rather, because I would like to be healthier. This was a decision that I made… and that's the way it ought to be."

James DeBoy, chairman of the school's Department of Health and Physical Education defends the policy.  He points out that many colleges have screening systems that single out those with lacking math or communication skills and make them take additional coursework to catch up.  He says that weight policy operates on a similar premise.  In an interview with CNN.com, he explained, "We, as educators, must tell students when we believe, in our heart of hearts, when certain factors, certain behaviors, attitudes, whatever, are going to hinder that student from achieving and maximizing their life goals.  Obesity is going to rob you of your quality and quantity of life.  We believe that this is unconscionable."

The mandated course, dubbed "Fitness for Life", consists of activities including water aerobics, Tai Bo and aerobic dance.  Approximately 12 to 15 students still have to take the class this year to graduate, according to Mr. DeBoy's estimates.  About 620 students already either took the course or tested out.

Some students support the policy.  Brittnai Panton, a 19-year-old freshman from Decatur, Georgia tested out, but in the interview with CNN.com, she voiced her support.  She states, "Being in this day and age where people are becoming overweight and need more fitness, I think it's a great idea to earn extra credit, an easy extra credit."

Some lawyers, though, warn that the policy may land the school in legal hot water.  States David Kairys, professor of law at Temple University Law School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, "The part that seems excessive is forcing them to take this course, or to exercise three hours a week, which isn't a bad idea for them, but should be their choice."

He calls the policy "paternalistic" and "intrusive".  According to reports, the Lincoln policy may be the first of its kind in the country.