Since September 28, 2026, a national student movement has blocked high schools across France, demanding increased resources for the national education system. Pierre-Henri Dumont, the deputy general secretary of the Republicans, stated that "students have a right, it is to be in class, to be silent and to listen to the teacher." The statement was made in response to questions about the existence of a right to strike for high school students. While the spokesperson for Bruno Retailleau's campaign described the situation as caricatural, it is noted that high school students do have other recognized rights. According to the French Education Code, students have the rights to information and expression, as outlined in Article L.511-2. Additionally, the right to assemble is recognized, organized by Articles R.511-1 and R.511-10 of the same code, while Article R.511-9 outlines the framework for the freedom of association in high schools. Students have the right to express their discontent, but they remain subject to an obligation of attendance. They do not have a right to strike that would allow them to avoid this obligation to participate in a mobilization during class hours. Article L.511-1 of the Education Code reminds students that their obligations include attendance and respect for the collective life rules of the establishment. Article R.511-11 specifies that this obligation includes adhering to the teaching schedule defined by the school's timetable. Blocking access to the school is not covered by the recognized freedoms, as these cannot interfere with teaching activities. Preventing other students and staff from entering the school exposes participants to disciplinary sanctions, ranging from warnings to permanent exclusion (Article R. 511-13 of the Education Code). Blocking can also fall under criminal law, as Article 431-1 of the Penal Code penalizes actions that hinder the exercise of several freedoms, including that of work, in a concerted manner and with threats. Since the 2021 "Separatism" law, this text also targets the exercise of the teaching function. A blockage that prevents teachers and staff from working can therefore fall under this text, with a penalty of one year in prison and a 15,000 euro fine. This increases to three years and 45,000 euros if the obstruction involves violence, destruction, or damage. The Penal Code also sanctions the occupation of the school to disturb the peace and order of the establishment and the degradation of the premises, with aggravated penalties in cases of fire, as occurred in Nantes. However, not all blockades constitute a criminal offense; the elements of the offense must be met. The obstruction under Article 431-1 requires a concerted action and threats, or violence. Attempting to convince classmates to join the movement without pressure or violence and without preventing them from entering does not qualify as such. Students therefore have neither a right to strike nor a right to blockade. However, between being silent in class and blocking their school, the law allows them a real space to express themselves.