Guarding the gateway of UNC-Chapel Hill's campus once stood Silent Sam, a controversial Confederate monument that divided the nation's oldest university. While some people hold fast to the notion that Silent Sam is solely a memorial to fallen Confederate soldiers, a large number of students see Silent Sam as a constant reminder of a racist past. Since 1955 UNC-CH students have voiced their concerns, letting it be known they do not feel welcome on campus because of what the statue represents and demand the removal of Silent Sam. Due to inaction on the matter from university officials, numerous contentious protest, counterprotest, marches, and rallies continue to rock UNC-CH. On the night of August 21, 2018, protesters toppled the divisive Silent Sam monument. Although Silent Sam no longer stands guard at the entrance of UNC-CH's campus, the battle for its final resting place continues to divide the historic university.
