DURHAM RESIDENTS MAKE IT CLEAR: DUKE NEEDS TO RESPECT DURHAM!

On September 14th, almost a hundred Durham residents filled Asbury United Methodist Church for the Duke Respect Durham campaign kickoff event. This campaign – led by a broad coalition of labor groups, community organizations, political organizations, non-profits, faith groups, students and regular working-class people – has one main objective: to make Duke pay their fair share in taxes to the city of Durham! UFE was there in support.

Almost 100 members of the Durham community joined to kick off the campaign. Photo credit: Duke Respect Durham Coalition

Labor Demands That Duke Pay Their Fair Share

At the campaign kickoff event, it was clear that unions and labor organizations have a big stake in this struggle to ensure those who benefit from Durham contribute in fair measure. Labor unions know what it means to struggle against unfair pay, inequality, exploitation and injustice. That’s why they understand the importance of this campaign and are taking the lead in this fight. Labor groups in attendance included the Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW), UE 150, Durham Association of Educators (DAE), Durham Workers Assembly (DWA), Duke Grad Student Union (DGSU), National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) and others.

Workers with USSW sign participants into the event Photo credit: Duke Respect Durham Coalition

According to the campaign, Duke University would owe at least $50 million in annual property taxes without its educational tax-exempt status. Duke owns 11% of the land in Durham county and holds properties worth over $4 billion in total, is the second largest employer in the state, and has a $11.6 billion endowment. Yet, in 2023, Duke University and Duke Health System paid only an estimated $1.3 million in property taxes. While working-class Durhamites struggle to make ends meet, this campaign speaks to the frustration that many workers are feeling: the injustice within the city’s property tax system is blatant in the eyes of workers. There need to be serious changes now!

A People’s Campaign Is Needed To Win

Because there are no legal means to make Duke University pay their fair share in property taxes, it will take a mass people’s movement to put pressure on Duke. One of the main tactics employed by the campaign is story gathering and showing the economic struggles that people are experiencing. Facts are important, but emotions are what makes changes happen.

“What could Durham do with $50 million?” Emcee Keith Bullard from USSW asked the crowd. Immediately, the crowd shouted demands: “Fair pay for public school teachers!” “Better pay for city workers”!” Better access to healthcare services”!” Better roads!” “Affordable housing!” All of these services are within the control of city and county officials. $50 million a year could go a long way in helping alleviate the suffering of working-class people in Durham.

Graphic explaining what a PILOT (Pay in lieu of taxes) means and why Durham needs it Photo credit: Duke Respect Durham Coalition

This will not be an easy struggle. As Christy Patterson, vice president of DAE, made clear, “This fight may take years.” People are not giving up. Duke University has immense resources, money, legal support, and prestige on its side, but we have the people on ours.

UFE Resources in Action

UFE’s NC staff have been helping to steer and support the campaign, from outreach to sharing organizing expertise, from driving the campaign’s communications work to resourcing the campaign. This campaign aligns with our values in creating a just and equitable society where everyone can thrive.

Join us!

We need support from all Durhamites to make Duke pay its fair share. Duke would not be what it is without the people of Durham. Community members have dedicated their time, energy, and money to making Durham a better place, all while paying their property taxes. Duke needs to follow the example set by the people and use its massive resources to build a more just and equitable city. Join the Duke Respect Durham campaign today!