Overweight Pa. students unhappy about fitness class rule

PHILADELPHIA - Some Pennsylvania university students are upset that their college is requiring overweight students to take a fitness class in order to graduate.

The new Lincoln University mandate has also been catching the attention of health experts and legal scholars.

Officials at the historically black college say the school is simply concerned with students' health. They say obesity and diabetes are problems, especially in the African-American community.

The mandate requires students to get tested for their body mass index. Those considered to be obese are required to take a class called "Fitness for Life," which meets for three hours a week.

This year's senior class is the first to be affected by the requirement. Officials say about 80 students, or 16 percent, have not yet met the mandate.