On October 8, the École normale supérieure (ENS), a prestigious university located at 45 rue d’Ulm in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, was the subject of a blockade. Unlike typical protests that might involve music, large crowds, or law enforcement, this event was marked by the placement of about fifty posters on the institution’s large black gates. The messages included phrases such as "Neglected school, sacrificed youth" and "Support for high school students." The blockade continued a three-day period during which no classes would be held at the ENS, reflecting a broader movement of student activism. Some students see the blockade as a symbolic gesture to show that even elite institutions can support the movement for better educational conditions. Diane, a first-year master's student in cognitive sciences, emphasized that it was significant for students at ENS, a school known for its academic privilege, to take a stand for high school students in the suburbs and rural areas. Garance, a literature student and member of the Nouveau parti anticapitaliste (NPA), noted that ENS students were not being hypocritical by supporting these efforts, as they were not only fighting for their own interests. Some ENS students plan to join a procession of high school students and others heading toward the Bastille, a historic site in Paris. While some view the blockade as a chance for dialogue and decision-making, others question its effectiveness. Marie, an art student, argues that blockades are only impactful when they are part of a larger movement, such as when nearly 1,000 high schools are affected and more than 50% of universities are involved. Diane, however, remains uncertain whether the blockade is the best way to be heard. Regarding issues of urban violence, students reject the idea that the government is solely to blame. Salomé, an art student, stated that when high school students burn trash cans, it is often to be heard, but when there is damage or violence, it is partly due to police intervention. Garance added that the real vandals are the government and security forces, who she believes terrorize the population. Diane supports the movement for high school students, noting that universities face similar budget cuts, though the consequences are different. Mathieu, also in a master's program at ENS, believes the mobilization shows that the French political system is "on the verge of collapse," highlighting the politicization of youth and the State's failure to address high school students' struggles over a decade of governance. Alice, working on a mathematics thesis, argues that the movement goes beyond high school issues, bringing up societal concerns such as unemployment, future prospects, and fuel prices. She believes the youth are justified in their actions, as they will be the ones to face these challenges in the future.