In 2006, historically black Lincoln University, near Philadelphia, mandated that entering freshman get tested for their body mass index, a measure of weight to height. Fast-forward to present day, the freshman of yesteryear ('06) will now be graduating in 2010, but those who are obese, (a body mass index [BMI] of 30 or above) will not receive a diploma unless they enroll in and complete a fitness class.

The physical fitness course involves walking, aerobics, weight training, as well as learning about nutrition, stress and sleep. Why are some members of the Lincoln student body up in arms? Well, according to an op-ed piece by one potential graduate, Tiana Y. Lawson, who has been tapped by officials to enroll in the class, "I didn't come to Lincoln to be told that my weight is not in an acceptable range. I came here to get an education."

School officials are claiming that the fitness mandate was put in place because of a rising concern about high rates of obesity and diabetes, especially in the African American community. According to James L. DeBoy, chairman of Lincoln's department of health, physical education and recreation, the targeted students are not required to lose weight or lower their BMI; they must only pass the class through attendance and participation.

Some experts argue that BMI can be misleading, since muscle weighs more than fat. So a person can be overweight and yet still be fit. Other experts point out that if the institution is so concerned about their overweight student population, they should make sure that the dining halls and vending machines are chock-full of healthy choices. Recent amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act may also lead to exemptions for morbidly obese students, who could contend that participating in the class would be dangerous.

For now, some students will just have to swallow what the university is dishing out. Lawson writes, "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."