A transgender student, Mx Jamie Alday, at the Batangas State University (BatStateU) Lipa Campus was reportedly asked to remove her bra in front of other people inside the campus over her alleged violation of the university’s dress code policy.
On 8 September 2026, Alday – a first year student – claimed that she was shamed after the head of the campus security personnel ordered her to remove her earrings and bra in front of other people over an alleged violation of the university’s dress code policy. Alday, at that time, was wearing a physical education uniform.
“Ang pag hubarin ito nang walang maayos na paliwanag at may halong kahihiyan ay hindi lamang nakakabastos kundi labag din sa aking karapatang pantao at pribadong buhay. Ang patakaran ay hindi dapat gamitin upang ipahiya, manakit, o magdulot ng diskriminasyon (Being told to remove clothing without proper explanation and while being shames is not only rude but violates my human right and privacy. Policies should not be used to shame, hurt or discriminate).”
In a statement, the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) stated that “No student should ever be subjected to such degrading, humiliating, and potentially traumatizing treatment in the name of enforcing a school policy. Dress codes and institutional rules must never be used as a justification for violating a student’s dignity, bodily autonomy, and fundamental rights.”
Also, “academic institutions must be spaces where students can learn, grow, organize, express themselves, and become who they are, with dignity and without fear. No student should have to hide, conform, or apologize for their identity just to be treated with respect.”
NUSP is calling on the university administration to “immediately investigate the reported incident involving Ms. Jamie Alday, hold accountable those responsible for the harassment and degrading treatment of students, and ensure that no similar incident occurs again.”
There is also a demand to thoroughly review the university’s dress code and its implementation, “particularly policies and practices that enable the policing of students’ gender expression and identity. The university must establish clear and accessible mechanisms to report and address harassment and discrimination, and guarantee the safety, dignity, and rights of every student. We call on the entire academic community to stand with LGBTQIA+ students and reject all forms of gender-based harassment, discrimination, and humiliation.”
Interestingly, in 2024, the university already amended its dress code policy to remove certain restrictions on haircuts, allowing natural hair colors, and recognizing preferences in uniform fit. But the NUSP documented discriminatory practices against LGBTQIA+ students – e.g. during Academic Year 2025–2026, a certain “Ms. Jira” was prohibited from wearing a Filipiniana during her college’s sashing ceremony.
“Discrimination among the members of the LGBTQIA+ community has long been rooted in history. But these practices have no place in our schools. Recognition, respect, and acceptance of one’s identity must be at the heart of every academic institution that claims to be inclusive. Schools should be among the first communities where students are free to learn, grow, express themselves, and become who they are,” the NUSP further stated.
