Oxford biochemistry lecturer Matt Rattley is facing formal complaints at St Hilda's College regarding his public use of prosthetic breasts and female attire. The grievances, submitted by graduates and a parent, allege that his behavior creates a hostile environment for women.
The 2008 transition from a women-only college
St Hilda's College, which transitioned from a women-only institution to a coeducational one in 2008, is now at the center of a controversy involving biochemistry lecturer Matt Rattley. As reported by The Mail on Sunday, the complainnts involve Mr. Rattley’s frequent use of large prosthetic brasts, makeup, and female clothing in public settings. Mr. Rattley has served as a non-stipendiary lecturer at the college since 2023.
This situation places the college in a difficult position, navigating the intersection of its historical identity and the modern requirement to maintain a professional, non-sexualized environment for all students and staff. the controversy highlights a growing tension at Oxford regarding how institutions balance individual expression with the dignity of the collective community.
Dr. Lucy Johnstone’s concerns regarding institutional collusion
Clinical psychologist Dr. Lucy Johnstone, one of three graduates who submitted formal letters to St Hilda's College, has raised alarms about how the institution handles such grievances. According to the report, Dr. Johnstone expressed concern that Mr. Rattley’s behavior violates the dignity of women and creates an intimidating or offensive environment.
Dr. Johnstone noted that in her professional experience working with women, harassment often involves the silencing of victims and collusion by the institutions involved. She suggested that the college's perceived failure to act on these concerns is a significant issue for the community.
Distress during summer heatwave training sessions
An anonymous Oxford academic described a distressing environment during staff training sessions where Mr. Rattley was present . The academic reported that during a summer heatwave, Mr. Rattley wore a miniskirt that left his underwear visible while sitting with his legs apart. This individual characterized the experience as feeling like being forced to participate in a sexual fetish, comparing the sensation to being forced to watch pornography.
The academic further noted that some female staff appeared to be "fawning" over him, which added to the sense of an intimidating and inappropriate atmosphere . The academic also described a presentation where the scale of the prosthetic breasts made it difficult for colleagues to know where to look.
The fear of being labeled a bigot at Oxford
Many students and academics at Oxford University reportedly hesitate to speak out against Mr. Rattley due to fears of social and professional repercussions. One lecturer noted that while the university supports free speech in theory, it often penalizes those who criticize identifiable members of the community.
A former student also suggested that expressing discomfort with Mr. Rattley’s "cartoonish" prosthetic breasts might be unfairly dismissed as bigotry. This fear of being perceived as intolerant has, according to the report, preevnted many from making formal, public objections, even when they found the attire outrageous.
Will St Hilda's College act on the formal letters?
The report says St Hilda's College has yet to issue a public statement regarding the three formal letters of complaint or the specific actions being taken. It remains unclear whether the college will initiate a formal investigation or if they are waiting for a direct complaint from a current student to trigger a response.
The silence from St Hilda's College leaves the faculty and student body in a state of uncertainty. Key questions remain regarding whether the college will treat these letters as requiring a formal response and whether current students will be invited to share their views on the working environment.
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