Oxford University is facing criticism over a bearded lecturer at St. Hilda's College who has been teaching students while wearing large prosthetic breasts. The gender-critical advocacy group Sex Matters has raised concerns, stating that the university has not addressed whether the lecturer's behavior might constitute harassment of female students and that there is no evidence he identifies as a woman.
Concerns have also been voiced by college graduates, including a clinical psychologist, who have written to St. Hilda's College. They argue that the lecturer's appearance, which also includes women's clothing and makeup, violates women's dignity and could create an "intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating and offensive environment." At least three formal letters of complaint have reportedly been sent to the college, with some alleging the situation amounts to sexual harassment.
The lecturer, Matt Rattley, who was appointed in 2023, has reportedly shared images of himself on social media wearing the prosthetic breasts. Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at Sex Matters, suggested that such behavior was not intended by lawmakers to be normalized or protected, especially in a university setting. "The impact on women doesn't seem to feature," she stated.
Oxford University has responded by saying it does not comment on "individual personnel matters" and that students with concerns should utilize established university or college procedures. However, McAnena urged university leaders to address the behavior, which she believes many female students and academics find insulting and inappropriate, to show respect for their female community members.
One Oxford academic recounted finding training sessions with Rattley "distressing," describing the prosthetic breasts as being "in my face" and noting that others behaved as if his attire were normal, leading to feelings of self-doubt. Another academic described a situation where Rattley sat with his legs apart in a miniskirt, with his underwear visible, while flanked by admiring students.
"It does feel like sexual harassment," one lecturer stated, describing a feeling of being forced to participate in someone's sexual fetish without choice. "You feel as though you're being forced to participate in someone's sexual fetish without being given a choice. It's like being forced to watch porn. You either comply or feel you're risking your job by objecting."
Academics and students reportedly fear speaking out due to the university's handling of such matters. A former student expressed that the situation was disturbing and disillusioning, stating that while they would have felt conflicted and deeply uncomfortable in classes, making a formal complaint felt impossible due to the fear of being labeled as bigoted.
Dr. Lucy Johnstone, a clinical psychologist and signatory to one of the letters, expressed concern over the college's lack of action, citing patterns of denial by perpetrators, silencing of victims, and institutional collusion in harassment cases. She noted the added difficulty when offensive behavior is framed as progressive, making it harder for women to speak out.
Naomi Cunningham, an employment barrister, suggested that St. Hilda's College could be at serious risk of legal action, stating it is difficult to argue that Rattley's conduct does not constitute sexual harassment. She criticized the college for prioritizing "male sexual entitlement over staff and student wellbeing."
St. Hilda's College was founded in 1893 as a women-only institution, though it began admitting male students in 2008. Rattley did not respond to requests for comment.