An Oxford University lecturer's appearance has led to complaints from former students and concerns within the university community. This situation has raised questions about appropriate workplace conduct and the welfare of female students.
The lecturer, Matt Rattley, who teaches biochemistry at St Hilda's College, has faced criticism for wearing large prosthetic breasts, women's clothing, and makeup. He has also posted photos on social media wearing low-cut tops, red lipstick, nail polish, and similar styles while also sporting a long beard.
According to reports, three female former Oxford students wrote to St Hilda's principal, Dame Sarah Springman, earlier this year, urging the college to take action. One complainant described his behaviour as 'egregious, arguably perverted' and argued that it constituted sexual harassment under the college's policies.
'I Didn't Know Where To Look'
An anonymous Oxford academic reported feeling distressed during staff training sessions at Oxford. They added that they missed most sessions due to discomfort around Rattley.
'At the first session, he was giving a presentation. I was in the front row, so those big prosthetic boobs felt like they were in my face. I didn't know where to look,' the student said.
'The worst part was that other people were behaving as though he was dressed normally. You're sitting there thinking what you're seeing is hideous and disrespectful, while everyone around you is pretending it's OK. It makes you doubt your sanity.'
The student also alleged that Rattley once sat with his legs apart, exposing his underwear during a summer heatwave. 'It does feel like sexual harassment,' they stated. 'You feel as though you're being forced to participate in someone's sexual fetish without being given a choice.'
Concerns Over College Response
Michael Biggs, a professor of sociology at Oxford University, suggested that students may be hesitant to complain. He pointed to sensitivities around gender identity as a possible reason.
'There is an argument that because his students would find this degrading, humiliating or offensive, his behaviour would fit the criteria of sexual harassment under the university's policies,' he told The Telegraph.
I may have been the first journalist to approach Oxford University for comment on photographs of Matt Rattley appearing to wear giant prosthetic breasts in academic settings - images he has posted online himself.
— Janet Murray (@jan_murray) October 28, 2026
Why? This is one of the world's leading universities FFS.… pic.twitter.com/wMZAp8Y4Iw
While Biggs supports universities embracing diverse personalities, he felt Rattley's appearance was overtly sexualised. He also pointed to its inappropriateness in a professional setting.
'If he wants to walk down the street wearing those clothes, that's his business, as people can look the other way if they like. It's very different in a classroom environment,' Biggs said. 'Many students would be wary of complaining about this because of the issues around gender identity, so on behalf of the students we should expect a certain level of professional behaviour.' Biggs also noted that some female students might perceive Rattley's appearance as mocking or may feel uncomfortable.
Legal And Professional Questions
Naomi Cunningham, an employment barrister at Outer Temple Chambers, warned that the college's approach could expose it to legal action. She stated that the college appeared to 'prioritise male sexual entitlement' over the wellbeing of staff and students.
Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at sex-based rights charity Sex Matters, also criticised the situation. 'It is unlikely that lawmakers ever intended to normalise and protect a bearded man wearing giant fake breasts to teach young women at university,' McAnena said.
'There's no evidence that this man identifies as a woman, but transgender demands muddy the water so that normal standards of behaviour are undermined. The impact on women doesn't seem to feature.'
Matt Rattley is a Lecturer in Biochemistry at St Hilda’s College within the University of Oxford. He is recognized for his work in mechanistic biochemistry and the integration of innovative educational tools like AI and collaborative workshops into the classroom. pic.twitter.com/J9JNVAF1Ch
— citykush (@citykush1) April 27, 2026
Oxford Issues Statement
The college previously addressed concerns by citing its responsibility to uphold freedom of expression. A University of Oxford spokesperson stated that the institution is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all community members feel respected and valued.
'We expect everyone involved in teaching to maintain appropriate professional standards and to treat students with respect,' the spokesperson said. 'We do not comment on individual personnel matters. Students who have concerns about their teaching arrangements can raise them through established university or college procedures, as appropriate.'
St Hilda's College was founded in 1893 and admitted only female students until 2008. Since October 2023, Rattley has served as a non-stipendiary lecturer and reportedly tutors students preparing for GCSEs and A-levels.
