Instructor requiring that I give my age and weight as a part of an assignment

[acemanhattan]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Oregon

As the subject hints at:

I have an instructor for a college physical education class who is requiring that I submit both my age and weight as a part of the "pre-test" portion of the class. I am wondering if I can justifiably refuse to report either to her.

Thanks (to those that may choose to answer) in advance.

 

[Proserpina]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Oregon

As the subject hints at:

I have an instructor for a college physical education class who is requiring that I submit both my age and weight as a part of the "pre-test" portion of the class. I am wondering if I can justifiably refuse to report either to her.

Thanks (to those that may choose to answer) in advance.

Yes, of course you can refuse.

And the instructor can refuse to allow you to participate.

 

[latigo]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Oregon

As the subject hints at:

I have an instructor for a college physical education class who is requiring that I submit both my age and weight as a part of the "pre-test" portion of the class. I am wondering if I can justifiably refuse to report either to her.

Thanks (to those that may choose to answer) in advance.

Nonsense!

Go over the instructor's head. Like a student counselor, dean, or student counsel rep or call an ACLU chapter.

Age is something else, but you shouldn't have to provide the other as a condition of enrollment, not if you feel sensitive about it and choose not to.

 

[Proserpina]

Please show us case law supporting your stance, latigo.

(Hint: there is none)

 

[Ben T]

Why are they asking? Does this course entail some level of liability related to age, weight and overall physical fitness? Or is it to just get general data? Let's say it's a scuba course where you need a physicians clearance or other. Or competitive cycling/running/swimming where cardio is very, very important.

 

[justalayman]

Along with what bent was suggesting: why are you being asked this info. If it is for statistical data and it is pertinent to the class, then there is not a thing wrong with asking. Part of phys Ed classes can be to measure the results of your participation and/or effectiveness of the class. I cannot see an issue with the inquiry if that is why you are being asked.

If it is to determine a level of exercise appropriate for you, again, I see nothing wrong with it.

 

[acemanhattan]

I think that the weight is being requested as a baseline to measure our progress in the class (though it's not a good metric since without something like a body composition test there isn't anything telling about ones weight). I am not sure exactly why the age is being requested though I think it is because determining ones target heart rate requires knowing ones age.

The class is a very basic phys. ed. course (e.g., there really isn't a weight or age that would disqualify one from participating in the class).

 

[Just Blue]

Along with what bent was suggesting: why are you being asked this info. If it is for statistical data and it is pertinent to the class, then there is not a thing wrong with asking. Part of phys Ed classes can be to measure the results of your participation and/or effectiveness of the class. I cannot see an issue with the inquiry if that is why you are being asked.

If it is to determine a level of exercise appropriate for you, again, I see nothing wrong with it.

I agree. If you are, as an example,: 300 lbs and 6 feet tall at 50 years of age, the required question are important as you could have a heart attack in class.

 

[disneykid52]

Tell the instructor that you will answer those questions if he answers personal questions youre going to ask about himself.

 

[Just Blue]

Tell the instructor that you will answer those questions if he answers personal questions youre going to ask about himself.

Huh????????

 

[disneykid52]

Huh????????

Is he not asking you something that's personal?

 

[csi7]

I would be asking why is the information being requested, and then consider the options.

If it is strictly from the instructor, not approved, nor required by state or federal law, then the instructor is stepping way out of bounds with this requirement.

I would also check the handbook for standard of conduct, rules, and use those as guidance as well.

 

[Zigner]

Tell the instructor that you will answer those questions if he answers personal questions youre going to ask about himself.

The answer from the instructor will be "I am xx years old and weigh yyy, your turn."

 

[justalayman]

Seriously, having trouble telling somebody your age and weight is just being overly sensitive. Hell, people pay the carny a buck to see if he can guess your age or weight and people have no trouble disclosing such info to the carny. What is the big issue?


if you have a problem disclosing your age or weight, just lie to the guy to make him happy.

 

[TigerD]

See bluemeanie's answer above.

The instructor probably wants to make sure you don't die on him.

DC