A graduate research project initiated by Montclair State University student Stephanie Spitz focuses on weight-based discrimination, which emerged from her personal experiences with classroom furniture that did not accommodate larger individuals. The research aims to foster meaningful discussions and advocate for changes within the higher education system.
Fighting Weight Bias in Higher Education: Advocating for Inclusivity and Change
Addressing Weight-Based Discrimination in Higher Education
Spitz has noted that anti-fat bias has become more prevalent than discrimination based on race, gender, and sexuality, yet individuals who are larger often lack legal protections against such discrimination.
Adela Caceres, the Director of the Office for Social Justice and Diversity, highlights the importance of tackling anti-fat bias, stating that it presents a significant learning opportunity and underlining the necessity for open dialogue about this issue.
Spitz, an alumna with a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art, is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Higher Education while serving as the Department Administrator for Art and Design. Identifying as a “fat person,” she is committed to raising awareness about this issue and promoting inclusivity on campus.
Implementing Research into Action
Spitz’s advocacy and research have already led to positive changes at Montclair State University. These changes include:
- Inclusive Classroom Design: A renovated lecture hall in Calcia Hall now provides seating that accommodates larger students and those with disabilities.
- Healthcare Accessibility: The Student Health Center has revised its policies to better serve students, including offering gowns in multiple sizes and introducing a “Decline to Weigh” policy, allowing students to opt out of being weighed.
- Community Awareness: Spitz organized the university’s inaugural flag-raising ceremony for Disability Awareness Month in conjunction with LGBTQ+ History Month.
The implementation of the “Decline to Weigh” policy is particularly significant for students with eating disorders, as it helps them avoid situations that could trigger harmful behaviors associated with weight. Sarah Jennings, Interim Director of the Student Health Center, indicated that if a weight measurement is deemed medically necessary, those measurements are recorded ‘blind,’ meaning they are not disclosed to the patient. Spitz underscores the importance of dispelling myths about weight control and health in order to combat biases related to body size.
Increasing Awareness Across Campus
Spitz has utilized opportunities to share her research findings with university leadership, including President Jonathan Koppell, and has presented her work on “Weight-Based Discrimination” to various campus groups. Dawn Meza Soufleris, Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life, acknowledges Spitz’s impactful advocacy for initiatives such as larger seating and body-positive frameworks.
Looking forward, Spitz intends to expand her advocacy efforts and increase exposure to the campus community. Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Ashante Connor has expressed a commitment to creating avenues for discussions regarding weight inclusion, pointing out the subtle yet pervasive nature of anti-fatness in various institutional processes.
Insights from Anti-Fat Bias Research
Spitz’s research reveals numerous issues related to anti-fatness, including:
- Historical Context: The perception of fat individuals varies historically across different cultural contexts.
- Legal Discrimination: It remains legal to discriminate against individuals based on weight in most U.S. states, with limited exceptions such as recent legislation in New York City.
- Gender Disparities: Women often encounter significant discrimination related to body size, which can affect their experiences in professional environments.
- Cultural Influences: The connection between body weight and morality, particularly within Protestant viewpoints, persists in contemporary society.
- Fashion Industry Challenges: The fashion industry continues to perpetuate societal pressures favoring thinness, contributing to stigma against larger bodies.
- Daily Life Issues: Many aspects of daily life are affected by designs of infrastructure that primarily accommodate smaller body types.
Implications of Weight Bias in Higher Education
Weight bias can have far-reaching implications, including:
- Campus Infrastructure: Many facilities do not adequately accommodate larger body types.
- Social Bullying: Students who are larger may experience bullying and exclusion rooted in misconceptions about health and lifestyle choices.
- Mental Health Impact: Discrimination may negatively affect students’ self-esteem and overall mental wellness.
- Healthcare Inequities: Outdated reliance on metrics such as BMI can lead to biased healthcare delivery.
- Representation Challenges: A lack of diversity in body types among faculty and media can further alienate students.
Recommendations for Addressing Weight Bias
Spitz advocates for several measures to instigate systemic change within higher education institutions, including:
- Enhancing mental health resources for students experiencing weight-related challenges.
- Integrating discussions of sizeism into diversity training for hiring committees.
- Ensuring diverse body representation in campus media and advertising.
- Expanding clothing size offerings in university stores.
Future Directions for Anti-Fat Bias Research and Advocacy
Spitz aims to continue her advocacy initiatives, which include publishing research findings on weight-based discrimination in higher education. She posits that sharing this information will provide validation and support to students dealing with these issues.
Through her efforts, Spitz illustrates the critical intersection of research, advocacy, and personal experience in advancing inclusivity and addressing weight-based discrimination.
Original source: Montclair State University News Center