The University of California has decided to suspend use of its redesigned logo, the university announced Friday.

The move follows public outcry over the logo, which erupted last week after The Oakland Tribune published a story about the redesigned logo, which university administrators said had been in use for nearly a year.

“While I believe the design element in question would win wide acceptance over time, it also is important that we listen to and respect what has been a significant negative response by students, alumni and other members of our community,” said UC Senior Vice President for External Relations Daniel Dooley in a statement.

More than 50,000 individuals had signed an online petition calling for the logo’s removal. Critics included Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who wrote a letter Tuesday to UC President Mark Yudof saying the redesigned logo “demands immediate attention.”

“My hope going forward is that the passion exhibited for the traditional seal can be redirected toward a broader advocacy for the University of California,” Dooley said. “For it is only with robust support from the citizens of this state that the university will be able to serve future generations of Californians as well as it has those of the past.”

Curan Mehra is the executive news editor. Contact him at [email protected]