University tells women to wear ‘low-cut’ outfits to graduation

A Belgian university has apologised after female students were told to wear low-cut outfits to their graduation ceremony.

An email, which was sent to medical students at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), said that “from an aesthetic point of view” it would be “preferable for the women to wear a dress or a skirt and a nice low neckline”. Male graduates, it said, could wear a suit.

“Of course, ladies, this advice is not obligatory,” it added.

The message was shared on the student Facebook page ULB Confessions and caused an outcry on social media.

One commenter posting under the image said: “Basically it means: ‘Women it’s good that you’re doctors, but what you have in you head doesn’t matter.’”

In a statement on its Facebook page, the university, on behalf of its medical faculty, gave its “sincerest apologies” to all students who had received the email and said that the instructions were “contrary to the values” of the institution. 

ellie.bothwell@timeshighereducation.com