Leland grad, U-M student leader, supports Palestinians

From staff reports

Leland native Paige Cook will be a junior at the University of Michigan when classes resume in early September. Cook is triple majoring in History, American Culture, and Political Science. She currently works on the podcast team of What the F, a feminist magazine on campus, and is also involved in the pre-law sorority, Delta Gamma Phi. She has participated in Central Student Government (CSG), the LSA Honors Program, and the Jeopardy Club. Cook currently works as a research assistant for the President’s Advisory Committee on Labor Standards and Human Rights under Professor Leila Kawar. Once she finishes undergrad, Cook plans to attend law school and pursue public interest law, either with the government or representing unions.

Cook and other student leaders at U of M have also protested and stood up for the rights and dignity of Palestinians since Israel’s war in Gaza began nearly 11 months ago. The brutal conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 40,000 Palestinians and caused the spread of disease and famine in the occupied enclave—following Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the killing of 1,200 Israelis and seizure of hundreds of hostages. The United States government has long supported Israel, both politically and militarily.

The Glen Arbor Sun spoke with Cook about her Leland upbringing, her experiences in Ann Arbor, and how it has felt to attend college in a town that’s once again a hotbed of student activism.

Glen Arbor Sun: What’s your role in student government at the University of Michigan—and what inspired you to get involved?

Cook: I joined CSG the summer before my sophomore year as a representative to non-traditional students on campus. As a first-generation and low-income college student, I felt as though my voice wasn’t being heard on campus and thought this was the best means of action. I applied and was appointed by the student body president and served for 10 months. I was inspired by resolutions that called for fair negotiation between the Graduate Employees Organization (GEO) and the University and thought CSG could net positive change for many students.

Sun: What’s your motivation for speaking up on behalf of Palestinian rights and for a Gaza ceasefire?

Cook: What’s happening in Gaza is a textbook case of genocide and I believe it is morally reprehensible to call it anything other than that. There is a clear history of ethnic cleansing in Palestine that cannot be ignored. If you’ve never learned about the Nakba, you must now. Many of my opinions have been informed more and more by history classes and student activism on campus, particularly with Dr. David Zeglen, Dr. Leila Kawar, and groups like Jewish Voice for Peace. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being critical of Israel’s continued occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Sun: Have you faced any pushback, at college or at home, from colleagues, family or friends?

Cook: This is a highly contentious subject, so yes. I received quite a few direct messages on Instagram regarding things I posted, but nothing head-on. Most of my friends are outspoken with their views and support a ceasefire just as I do. I associate myself with those who have the same moral beliefs as me and I am inspired by my friends who spent much of their last month of undergrad staying in our campus’s encampment.

Sun: What do you hope will happen in the near future in Palestine and Israel?

Cook: A permanent ceasefire.

Sun: Describe what campus activism felt like at U-M this past year—including the encampment on the Diag. How has this atmosphere changed your college experience?

Cook: Inspiring. It’s amazing to see so many of my peers using their privilege (of not living in a country under constant bombardment) to speak on human rights violations. It’s terrifying to me that our university administration is so outwardly against our right to protest and actively suppresses our voices. Many things have changed, in CSG especially.

I served my term under an administration that didn’t “choose a side” and now many of my colleagues serve under an administration actively speaking out against this genocide and “shutting down” CSG until the university divests.

Sun: How will this manifest in the fall when students return to campuses across the nation—particularly with the presidential election looming in November?

Cook: I don’t see anything changing. I think the Uncommitted movement is going to determine who wins the presidential election and I can see that bringing more tension to our campus. There will be a lot of frustration, especially at a predominantly liberal school, when registered voters refuse to vote for a Democrat. I assume this will be the case at many other schools, particularly ones in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and other Michigan schools. Ultimately, we decide the election.

Sun: How did your upbringing and education in Leland inspire your activism and involvement in government? Any words of advice for current high schoolers in Leelanau County?

Cook: At home, I’ve always loved history and am grateful for the numerous library trips my mom took me on as a kid. I’ve also always been a politics and activism buff, particularly because my parents share opposite political beliefs which allows for many nights of debate (particularly around election seasons). At Leland, I had the privilege of having some of the most amazing people as teachers who allowed me to be a creative and curious thinker. I have many teachers to thank (and could name every teacher!) but will shout out Mrs. Osorio, Mr. Pershinske, Mr. Kelenske, Mr. Kiessel, Mr. Defour, and Ms. Walter as being most pivotal in my journey of curiosity.

For the current high schoolers of Leelanau County, my biggest pieces of advice are to ask many questions and try the hardest you can. It’s a great privilege to get an education and an even greater opportunity to have such small class sizes. You should build relationships with your teachers and be kind to them. Aim high with everything you do; it’ll get you somewhere. Try hard things and take hard classes, it’ll instill you with a great work ethic. Speak out on things you care about and be yourself.