A biochemistry lecturer at Oxford University's St Hilda's College has become the subject of controversy due to his teaching attire, which includes large prosthetic breasts, makeup, and low-cut tops. Matt Rattley, a bearded academic, has drawn significant backlash from former students, parents, and women's rights groups who find his appearance "highly sexualised" and uncomfortable.
Complaints have been lodged with the university, with some former students and staff members expressing distress and discomfort. One former student told the Daily Mail, "Matt Rattley's prosthetic breasts made me feel uncomfortable. But at Oxford, I felt women's discomfort didn't matter." Another female academic described feeling distressed during training sessions where Rattley presented, stating she and a colleague "didn't know where to look." She also noted that questioning his appearance felt unwelcome, as colleagues often applauded and celebrated him.
Three former St Hilda's students wrote to Principal Professor Dame Sarah Springman in May, expressing dismay that the college, historically founded to support women's education, was allowing what they termed "highly sexualised" attire. Their letter stated that such dressing would be "inappropriate in any work setting" and cited St Hilda's own sexual harassment policy, which aims to prevent "an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment."
Rattley, who has taught at Oxford for 13 years and graduated with a first-class degree, has been described as a gifted academic and a "nice bloke" by some. However, critics question the appropriateness of his attire in an educational setting. Political commentator Douglas Murray suggested in The Spectator that Rattley's attire is not an attempt to "pass" as a woman but rather a deliberate effort "to stand out."
The university stated, "The University of Oxford is committed to being an inclusive and welcoming place where all members of our community feel respected, valued and able to be themselves." Rattley himself has declined to comment.
The controversy highlights ongoing national conversations about sex and gender identity. The core question, according to critics, remains whether Rattley's appearance is suitable for his professional role, a question Oxford University has been perceived as unwilling or unable to definitively answer.