In our hometown of Durham, North Carolina, the "bull city" hand gesture has always been a symbol of pride and community identity. To us, the symbol is more than a catchy marketing gimmick. It represents us, the people of this city, our heritage, and our unwavering strength.

However, they took our symbol and used it in their marketing campaigns without consideration for the local residents who have grown up using this symbol. Duke University has recently drawn flak for its 'Put Your Dukes Up' billboard campaign featured prominently on 85 N. The campaign appropriates the "bull city" hand gesture, which to us locals symbolizes our city of Durham or 'Bullcity', and uses it without giving any credit to its origins in the Durham community.

Though a renowned institution, Duke University must respect and acknowledge the cultural significance of the symbols it adopts, particularly when they're deeply ingrained in the local ethos. We, the ones who hold this gesture sacred, demand Duke University remove all instances of the 'Put Your Dukes Up' billboard and any other marketing content using this slogan without proper recognition of 'Durham' or 'Bullcity'.

By doing so, Duke University will not just respect the sentiment of the people of Durham, but also foster a stronger bond with the community it is a part of. This is a step towards harmony, respect, and mutual reverence. This isn't a fight, but a plea to uphold our cultural legacy. Sign this petition and join us in urging Duke University to honor the heritage of the "bull city" hand gesture by attaching the name "Durham" to any marketing slogans incorporating it. Additionally , all marketing that incudes the BullCity hand gesture should express that the symbol means Durham and not Duke.