As Duke University prepared for Founders’ Day weekend, protestors gathered at its gates calling for increased investment in Durham. The News & Observer reports that around 250 people, organized by the group Durham Rising, chanted slogans including “Durham builds Duke” and “Duke: stand with Durham.”
Durham Rising, made up of union workers and local activists, is urging the university to raise the minimum wage to $25 per hour, create affordable housing, invest in public infrastructure, and contribute more to local schools and educators’ salaries. CBS17 reported protestor Christy Patterson saying the group delivered petitions representing 10,000 community members.
Duke workers and Durham residents highlighted challenges with current wages, abc11 reports. Duke University stated it contributes $13.9 million in voluntary payments to the local community, including property taxes on non-academic buildings, emergency services, and downtown leases. The university also raised its minimum wage to $18 per hour last year…