About 200 people took part in the white march in tribute to Alexia Cote, a student found dead at her home on April 15, 2021. Here in Rennes, on May 21, 2021. – C. Allain / 20 Minutes
- A white march in tribute to Alexia Cote brought together around 200 people on April 21 in Rennes.
- A brilliant law student, the young woman committed suicide on April 15 in her student apartment.
- Beyond the sadness, several students testify to the anger of the silence of the University of Rennes 1, accused of having wanted to preserve its reputation.
The organizers of the White March did not expect to have so many people behind them. This Friday at 1 p.m., a silent procession of about 200 people left Place de la République, in Rennes, to join the Hoche campus of the University of Rennes 1. Among them, a large number of law students, came pay tribute to their comrade Alexia Cote, who ended her life on April 15.
At the head of the procession, a young woman wore a portrait of this brilliant student, hat on her head, narrowed eyes and radiant smile. Originally from Dijon, Alexia had joined Brittany in September to follow the demanding Magisterium Franco-British Business Lawyer (JAFB) at the University of Rennes 1. Stressed, isolated and without solution in the face of grades she deemed insufficient, she ended her life on April 15 in her little apartment on the Place de la Rotonde. It was one of her teachers, worried about not seeing her come to the video course, who discovered the young girl’s lifeless body, hanging from her window.
“We were asked not to say anything to the students”
This tragedy caused a stir among the ranks of law students. First because it illustrates the distress of a youth deprived of everything for a year, sacrificed on the altar of the health crisis. But also because the university did not communicate, suggesting that it wanted to cover up the case so as not to damage its reputation. This version is contested by the management of Rennes 1. But the testimonies collected by 20 minutes say the opposite.
“We were asked not to say anything to the students,” assured several members of the staff. The press took hold of the subject for the president of the university to call parents and write to students. An attitude that had deeply affected the parents of the young woman. “Since the drama, everyone feels at fault. Us, her friends, the doctor. Everyone except the university ”, tackled his father Christophe Cote.
AT #Rennes about 200 people walk in silence to pay homage to #Alexia Cote, a student at Rennes 1 University who killed herself on April 15 after alerting her director twice of her discomfort. @20 minutes #StudentsInDistress pic.twitter.com/TvS94Hpki5
– 20 Minutes Rennes (@ 20minutesrennes) May 21, 2021
This Friday, sadness mingled with anger in the procession.
The college tried to cover up this tragedy for protection. Today I am here for Alexia. But also to say that our lives count more than their reputation, ”testifies Hugo, a 2nd year student.
A little further, Agathe walks alongside her mother. “It’s a super complicated year for everyone. But what happened is very serious. Alexia called for help several times but was not heard. I have the impression that we are not listened to, ”said the young woman.
At the beginning of the year, Alexia had twice warned her promotion director of her difficulties. The only answer obtained was a proposal for repetition. This Friday, the university announced that it would initiate “a training plan in first aid in mental health for its staff for the start of the 2021 school year”.
“The omerta around this drama revolts me”
After the disclosure of Alexia’s death in the press, students and teachers denounced the “competition” and “pressure” imposed on law students. “I saw my daughter cry all alone in her room at night, she was so exhausted. Fortunately I was there for her! And yet, we tell them their partial dates a few days before, we put pressure on them. The silence around this drama revolts me, ”says Sophie, mother of Agathe. This silence of the university added bitterness to the sadness but also mistrust vis-à-vis the university. “Finding out from the press adds a veil. Was it a taboo? Should it remain secret? It induces doubt, ”notes a master’s student.
This new suicide in the student ranks is also a reminder of the deep distress of young people. Deprived of face-to-face lessons, social ties, activities, outings and parties, the students feel “forgotten”.
“At 20, the only solution is death? “
A first year student, Lise had two months of face-to-face lessons, before seeing her studio become her classroom. “We don’t have a social bond. Me, I have no friends at the university ”, summarizes the young woman, before continuing. “At 20, the only solution is death? Today, we pay tribute to Alexia. But tomorrow, will it be someone else? I am also here to show that we are not alone. “
Upon arrival at the Place Hoche campus, Alexia’s portrait and a few flowers were placed at the foot of the buildings. A few words written by his parents were read before a silent assembly. But who does not intend to be silent for all that.