Pa. university accused of 'fat list' for dancers

PITTSBURGH (AP) - October 29, 2009

Point Park University's student newspaper, The Globe, wrote about the list in a recent article about dancers' weight and nutrition.

The paper said a list was posted in 2008 naming students that assistant professor Peter Merz wanted to see. The list became known as the "fat list."

Merz tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he doesn't know who made or posted the list and he didn't ask for it to be posted. He says he can't discuss conversations with students, though he didn't dispute weight was a topic.

Merz says aspiring dancers must realize that "certain body weights are necessary to become employable." He also says dancers not in shape are vulnerable injury.

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