CHAPEL HILL—The Confederate monument controversy continued on UNC Chapel Hill’s campus Sunday afternoon.
Hundreds of supporters from both sides of the debate gathered by the Silent Sam statue, which was behind a barricade.
Those against the statue said it represents racism.
“It was clearly built to frighten black people and black students on this campus and it does not create a welcoming environment,” said Shannon Brien, a UNC Chapel Hill student.
One the other hand, supporters say it is a tribute to lives lost in the Civil War.
“It's just to honor the deaths of the students that were here and the alumni. I believe there was 321 alumni that died in the Civil War and that's what the statue is all about,” said Harry Smith, a Silent Sam supporter.
Some students said the history fuels hate.
“It can most definitely make black students feel threatened and unsafe with this monument of somebody who defended slavery,” said Leah Block, an NC State student.
Statue supporters say removing the statue will make things worse.
“I do believe a government that removes a historical monument of any sort is only going to bring bad things,” said Bradley Dixon, a Silent Sam supporter.
After several hours of rallying, peaceful discussions about the statue took place.
University officials say no serious issues were reported from the rallies.