Monument in North Carolina Under Attack

Students gathered Thursday to start a new discussion about the monument known as "Silent Sam."

The statue at UNC-Chapel Hill has been the subject of many debates in the nearly 100 years it has stood in the center of McCorkle Place.

For the passer-by or new student, the statue overlooking Franklin Street may appear to be of little significance, but some of those who know the statue's history say it is a misrepresentation of students and the community.

"For me personally, as a longtime resident of Chapel Hill and student of UNC, it's something that doesn't represent me, the town or the university," said Will McInerney, a senior and part of The Real Silent Sam movement.

The Real Silent Sam movement hopes to spark dialogue and provoke critical thought about the meanings behind the monuments and buildings of Chapel Hill. It hopes to provide the public with information that goes beyond standard narratives.

Silent Sam was erected in 1913 as a monument to the alumni and students who fought and died in the Confederate Army.

http://m.newsobserver.com/observer/db_97301/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=cSoVJjde&storycount=19&detailindex=3&pn=&ps=