Oxford lecturer faces complaints over wearing exaggerated breasts and women’s clothing while teaching
Matt Rattley, a biochemistry lecturer at Oxford’s St Hilda’s College, has drawn complaints over wearing exaggerated fake breasts, women’s clothing and make-up. Former students and academic colleagues say the appearance has made some women feel uncomfortable or intimidated, and some complainants allege it may amount to sexual harassment.
The college has received at least three formal letters, including one from the parent of a current undergraduate. The article also reports that some staff fear speaking publicly and cites an academic who said the college was unlikely to act without a student complaint. Rattley was appointed a non-stipendiary lecturer in 2023; the article notes that St Hilda’s, founded as a women-only college, became co-educational in 2008.
In short
- Oxford lecturer’s clothing has prompted formal complaints.
- Some complainants say it creates an intimidating environment.
- St Hilda’s has received at least three letters.
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The case for
Students and colleagues who object may argue that exaggerated breasts and women’s clothing in a teaching setting can make some women feel targeted, intimidated or unable to participate comfortably, regardless of the lecturer’s intent. They may say the college has a duty to take complaints seriously, assess the impact on students and ensure its harassment policies provide a safe learning environment.
The case against
Those defending Rattley may argue that clothing, make-up and gender expression are not, by themselves, evidence of harassment, and that complaints should be assessed on specific conduct and its context rather than assumptions about appearance. They may also stress the importance of protecting individual expression and fair process, including hearing Rattley’s account before reaching conclusions or imposing consequences.
Explained simply
St Hilda’s College is part of the University of Oxford. Founded as a college for women, it began admitting men in 2008; a non-stipendiary lecturer holds a teaching role without a college salary.
The complaints concern Matt Rattley’s appearance while teaching and the effect some former students and colleagues say it has had on women. The college has received formal letters, and some complainants say the conduct may constitute sexual harassment. How the college handles such concerns matters to its students and staff, as well as to wider discussions about conduct and safety in higher education.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Bearded Oxford University lecturer teaches female students while wearing large fake breasts, low-cut tops, red lipstick and nail varnish”.