CHAPEL HILL— Vandals have once again targeted the Silent Sam Confederate Statue on UNC Chapel Hill's campus Wednesday.
Following the crime, reaction on campus remains divisive.
"Defacing a memorial that is for you know, North Carolinians who lost their lives defending our state, no matter who the attacking force was is really wrong, it's just wrong,” says the Chair of the UNC College Republicans Frank Pray.
"I think they should just let it be and respect that this is what happened and it should stay there,” says UNC student Caroline Werk.
Other students say the university isn't paying enough recognition to minority students and groups that helped contribute to the UNC community.
"It's very important and vital that people speak up on this kind of issue, especially as a minority on campus if you feel uncomfortable,” says UNC student Kristen Adams.
"Without a statement you can't do anything. I mean you have to rile people up, you have to get people mad, you have to get blood boiling,” says UNC student Cassius Hossfield.
In July, the words “Murderer” and “Black Lives Matter” were spray painted on the statue.
And in August someone sprayed the words “Who is Sandra Bland?” on Silent Sam.
Bland died in her Texas jail cell, suspicions around her death sparked protests nationwide.
After the incident, UNC Chapel Hill released this statement Wednesday evening:
“We respect the passionate opinions many have on the issues of race and place at Carolina, and we also understand the need to freely express those points of view. However, we believe there are more productive ways of engaging, such as the Carolina Conversations sessions and other events that bring people together to discuss important issues.”
The confederate army soldier statue is a memorial to the 300 plus UNC students who died in the Civil War.
University officials say they have two night vision surveillance cameras pointing toward the statue.
There is no word if the vandals are captured in the footage.