Matt Rattley, a biochemistry lecturer at St Hilda's College, Oxford, has become the subject of formal letters of complaint over his appearance, which includes large prosthetic breasts, women's clothing and makeup. Three college graduates have now issued complaints about his behaviour, with some alleging it constitutes sexual harassment against female students.
Complaints over 'women's dignity'
The complaining graduates, including a leading clinical psychologist, have written to the college expressing concerns that Mr Rattley's behaviour "violates women's dignity". They added that it would be "reasonable for them to feel that it creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating and offensive environment".
Additional complaints have come from the parent of a current undergraduate, as well as from individuals who alleged sexual harassment. The lecturer's appearance has also drawn online controversy and attention.
Student accounts of distress
As reported by the Daily Mail, one anonymous student said they "didn't know where to look" when Mr Rattley was giving a presentation. The student explained: "I was due to attend a series of staff training sessions at Oxford with Mr Rattley. I ended up missing most of them because I found being around him so distressing."
They continued: "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 also claimed that Mr Rattley once sat with "his legs apart" and "underwear visible" during the summer heatwave, and described him as a very "tall, imposing man" who receives attention from female staff. "It does feel like sexual harassment," they added. "You feel as though you're being forced to participate in someone's sexual fetish without being given a choice."
Legal concerns and university response
An Oxford lecturer warned that students fear speaking out about Mr Rattley, who has frequently posted pictures of himself wearing low cut tops, lipstick and nail varnish on social media. A former student admitted the case has "really troubled" them and "never felt like an option to be open and public about it because any concerns would inevitably be received as bigotry".
Naomi Cunningham, a leading employment barrister from Outer Temple Chambers, said St Hilda's College has put itself at risk of legal action, claiming the college is willing to "prioritise male sexual entitlement over staff and student wellbeing". She added: "The fact that no-one has yet complained is testament to what a toxic environment has been created for women (in particular) who stand up to this kind of misbehavior."
Speaking on behalf of both the university and the college, an Oxford spokesman said: "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. We expect everyone involved in teaching to maintain appropriate professional standards and to treat students with respect."
The spokesman added: "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."
