Oxford researcher's doctorate announcement goes viral after receiving misogynistic responses
Photo: X
A series of responses on Twitter has developed into a notable moment of collective celebration after an online remark dismissed the academic success of an ecologist and evolutionary biologist who recently completed her doctorate at the University of Oxford.
The discussion began when X user Juliet Turner shared her joy at earning her DPhil, a milestone she posted with enthusiasm.
Her announcement was met with a reply from Richard Cooper, described online as a self-styled life coach, who wrote, “Just look at the degree on that chick ~ No man ever”.
"Just look at the degree on that chick"
~ No man ever pic.twitter.com/ZFAJ0GelxXThe comment was widely criticised and quickly prompted thousands of women to respond by sharing their own academic accomplishments.
Many highlighted the work required to obtain advanced degrees and the persistence needed to navigate higher education. The volume of posts drew attention to an ongoing issue regarding how women’s academic success is perceived and undermined in certain online spaces.
POV: you are a young woman celebrating a recent academic success pic.twitter.com/x8aZJvl4ZG
One user remarked, “it’s genuinely crazy that this is the response to a woman posting about passing her viva now. they’re reacting like this just because a woman completed an advanced degree.”
Another added a broader reflection on public attitudes toward higher education, “It’s not a coincidence that higher education has started losing its value in society’s eyes now that women outperform men.”
The collective response transformed what began as a dismissive comment into an extensive thread celebrating the achievements of women across multiple disciplines.