UNC says they still can’t legally remove Silent Sam, even with Roy Cooper’s permission
Barriers were added early this morning
Silent Sam – the statue on UNC's campus to commemorate students who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, has been barricaded prior to this evening's protest.
According to WRAL, an official reason for the barricade was not given.
While North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has given UNC the go-ahead to remove the statue, UNC released a statement this afternoon stating that "Despite how it is being interpreted in the media, the University has not been given the clear legal authority to act unilaterally."
According to the above press release, Silent Sam is more than likely here to stay for the time being – citing local laws that would allow the monument to stay in place.
The protest is expected to begin tonight at 7pm.