Nerissa Reaves is a college professor who earned her graduate degree from the University of New Haven in Connecticut after working with the Japanese consulate as an English teacher.

Despite her educational background and credentials, Reaves’ curvaceous figure is the center of attention after a video of the part-time model teaching a class went viral. Critics took note of her form-fitting clothing and high heels in the classroom, calling it inappropriate.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoIsFeKFzB2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading

Reaves has since responded to her critics, saying that she teaches only adults and that she should have the right to wear whatever makes her feel comfortable.

“I’ve been seeing one of my lives floating all over social media because apparently my jeans are a topic of conversation…again,” the Spelman alum wrote on social media. “So, let me start off by saying that I teach at a local college and therefore, all of my students are adults.”

“Additionally, I am allowed to wear what makes me comfortable and I love jeans and heels! Nothing wrong with that. Forgive me for not wearing baggy jeans from the 90’s. Where would I even buy those?”

She went on, “Tons of professors at my school wear jeans and heels. Yes, I understand that my shape causes a lot of attention on social media but in real life it’s a bit different. My students focus on the lectures and lessons and they all work hard to achieve results. Is it a bit different that I’m a teacher who also has a social media presence and models? Sure. I’m sure that’s quite unique because that’s not something you see often. However, that’s what makes me who I am-my range, depth and multi-faceted capabilities. I think it’s awesome that I’m not like every other teacher and that I can’t be boxed into categories traditionally defined by society.”

Read her full response below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrA1fjZhL6i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading