Oral Roberts University criticised for making new students wear ‘grade-issuing’ Fitbit trackers

A university has come under fire for making all new students wear Fitbit devices, designed to grade their performance, as part of a fitness initiative.

Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Oklahoma, the US, said the programme is also open to other students and that those who choose to utilise Fitbit trackers will “reap the benefits,” including feeding performance into a gradebook.

Fitbit is a watch-like device which contains a motion sensor that accurately tracks how many calories its wearer has burned as well as the number of steps taken in a day.

Now, though, Kaitlin Irwin - who is a blogger with the National Eating Disorders Association - has launched a petition calling on the university to make a U-turn on its policy for fear it triggers compulsive exercising and eating disorders.

So far, the petition has received close to 1,500 signatures of support.

One of the petition’s supporters described the university’s move as “the most shameful idea I have ever seen,” adding: “One goes to college for education, not to be tracked regarding their exercise habits. Would you do the same for faculty?”

Other supporters have also expressed their shock and disappointment at the initiative, many of them highlighting how they are recovering from eating disorders.

Ms Irwin also says: “As someone who is recovered from an eating disorder, I can only imagine how this Fitbit requirement would have exacerbated my destructive behaviours.”

She continues: “There are so many other, healthier ways to educate students and encourage physical activity, giving students the freedom to move - on their own terms.

“ORU’s attempt to track and grade their students’ aerobic activity may inspire unhealthy competition, unhappiness and stress, and could even trigger disordered thoughts and behaviours.”

However, according to an announcement on the university's website, President William M. Wilson, said: “ORU offers one of the most unique educational approaches in the world by focusing on the whole person - mind, body, and spirit.

“The marriage of new technology with our physical fitness requirements is something that sets ORU apart. When we began this innovative program in the fall of 2015, we were the first university in the world to offer this unique approach to a fitness program.”

The university’s provost also said: “ORU is dedicated to creating innovative academic solutions for our global student population.

“We are excited to offer this cutting-edge technology that will enhance our on-campus student’s experience and increase the convenience of our fitness programs.”