National student union condemns alleged humiliation of Batangas trans student

The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) has condemned the alleged harassment of a transwoman student at Batangas State University–Lipa Campus, saying school policies should never be used to justify humiliation, discrimination or violations of bodily autonomy.

In a statement, the NUSP expressed support for first-year student Jamie Alday, who earlier alleged that a campus security personnel instructed her to remove her bra while entering the university on September 8 because of the school’s dress code.

“No student should ever be subjected to such degrading, humiliating, and potentially traumatizing treatment in the name of enforcing a school policy,” the NUSP said.

The group stressed that dress codes and institutional rules must not become “instruments of harassment, humiliation, discrimination, and gender policing.”

NUSP: This goes beyond dress codes

According to the student organization, Alday’s experience should be viewed within the broader concerns raised by LGBTQIA+ students over their treatment inside academic institutions.

The NUSP noted that BatStateU amended its dress code in 2024, including the removal of certain haircut restrictions, allowance of natural hair colors and recognition of preferences in uniform fit.

Despite these changes, the group claimed that reports of discriminatory practices have persisted.

It cited the reported case of a student identified as “Ms. Jira,” who allegedly skipped her college’s sashing ceremony during academic year 2025–2026 after being prohibited from wearing a Filipiniana.

“These are not simply questions of dress codes,” NUSP said. “They are questions of dignity, equality, and the right of every student to exist and express themselves without fear of humiliation or discrimination.”

Call for investigation

The NUSP is now calling on the BatStateU administration to immediately investigate Alday’s allegations and hold accountable anyone found responsible.

It also demanded a review of the university’s dress code and how it is enforced, particularly rules and practices that could enable the policing of students’ gender expression.

The group urged BatStateU to establish accessible mechanisms for reporting harassment and discrimination and to ensure students are protected from similar incidents.

“No student should have to hide, conform, or apologize for their identity just to be treated with respect,” NUSP said.

The statement adds to growing scrutiny surrounding Alday’s allegations, which she publicly described as humiliating and distressing.

For the NUSP, the issue ultimately goes beyond what students are allowed to wear.

“Schools must be spaces where students are free to learn, express themselves, and exist as who they are, without fear, without shame, and without having to conform.”

READ: