2002 "fat Letter" Controversy
In March 2002, East Penn School District received national media attention for their attempts to battle obesity. Articles appeared in hundreds of newspapers and television channels and their effort was the subject of numerous political cartoons. These articles were in response to East Penn School District's "fat letter" program, which began in November 2001. At the time, obesity was becoming a growing national health concern, especially due to its increasing prevalence in children. As a result, the school district took each student's body mass index. For students who were found to be overweight or obese, letters were mailed to their parents. The letters informed the parents of the effects that being overweight have on one's health and requested that parents consult a family doctor or attend a free health session. Many parents reportedly were offended by the letters, especially their approach and language. Many parents responded by saying that the school was merely pointing blame without taking action. Partly in result to this criticism, Emmaus High School removed the schools soda and candy machines and replaced the cafeteria's whole milk with skim and non-fat milk. It continued its programs with the letters, and the school district since has realized a 2.86 percent drop in its obesity levels.
Read more about this topic: East Penn School District
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