It’s hard to know where to begin with this one. First, there’s the term fat identified. Is the fat-identified population of Princeton limited to students who are really fat, or does this label also apply students who only think they’re fat, such as anorexics?
Second is the perceived need to coddle students with a low self-image or who are stressed out. In the days after Hillary Clinton’s election loss in 2016, Barnard College accomplished this task by helping students rediscover their childhood with hot cocoa and coloring books. The question now, as then, is when did pampering students became the domain of universities?
In any case, what makes this story newsworthy is the event Princeton has planned for its fat-identified students. The school is offering them dinner!
Will this presidential election be the most important in American history?
The event is being hosted, moreover, by the Health Promotion and Prevention Services. Just what kids with weight problems need: to eat.
According to a newsletter distributed by the Women’s Center, which is co-sponsoring the dinner:
This space is intended for fat identified people to share their experiences as a fat person at Princeton in an accepting and supportive environment. We will discuss fat positive programming ideas for the Spring semester as well. Dinner will be served. … [Emphasis added]
The menu is not posted, but you have to wonder whether the sponsors will be feeding the soma or the psyche. If it’s the latter, it would make sense to serve “comfort” foods, like buttery mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and lots of ice cream.
(h/t Campus Reform)
