ELON, N.C.-- The latest Elon University poll shows that the majority of North Carolinians support keeping Confederate statues in place.
The poll of 1,500 people found that 65 percent believe the monuments should stay up, while 35 percent say they should be removed. It also explored opinions about Confederate symbols and the legacy of slavery.
“They’re representative about a time around slavery that wasn’t positive,” said Olivia Ford, Elon University student. “But I don’t think we should just erase history as a whole because it’s something we no longer agree with.”
Researchers say it's an important discussion to have.
“This is an issue that people feel very strongly about,” said Jason Husser, director of the Elon University poll . “It has led to violence in a number of communities in North Carolina. It leads a lot of people to have very hurt feelings. And we think it’s important for people to know where other people are coming from.”
The poll follows Wednesday's removal of the Confederate statue in downtown Pittsboro in Chatham county.