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The directors of Folt and UNC find it hard to know what to do with Silent Sam. The tension around the monument has recently reached a boiling point as part of a larger national discussion about the goal and the necessity of Confederate monuments.
Silent Sam is the nickname of the statue of a Confederate soldier, built at the request of the United Girls of Confederation. It was dedicated in 1913 to the memory of "university sons who died for their beloved Southland 1861-1865," says the UNC website.
Months of discussions with professors and students led Folt and the UNC board of directors to propose a new building of $ 5.3 million intended to safely shelter Silent Sam, but this plan was rejected UNC Board of Governors in December
The board gave directors until March 15 to develop another recommendation
In his letter, Folt authorized the removal of the pedestal and commemorative plaques from the confederated monument of Silent Sam.
"The presence of the remaining parts of the monument on campus poses a permanent threat to the security and the personal well-being of our community and for our ability to provide a stable and productive educational environment, "says Folt's letter. "No one learns best when he does not feel safe."
Folt also stated that the controversy over the monument caused too much disruption.
"Carolina leaders must devote all their attention to helping our university realize its vision and live its values," she said.
The leaders of the UNC Board of Directors also issued a statement Monday in which they claimed to support Folt's decision to withdraw.
"She has brought tremendous energy and passion to countless initiatives that have made Caroline stronger and ready to inspire future generations of students, faculty, staff and students. 39 alumni, "reads the statement.
"We are extremely disappointed with this intentional action," Smith said. "This lacks transparency and undermines and insults the Council's goal of acting with class and dignity. We strive to ensure that the appropriate stakeholders are always involved and that we always work in a healthy and professional manner. "
Smith stated that the process and schedule of the board of directors to determine the better solution for Silent Sam's future "remain unchanged."
"The safety of the academic community and the general public who visit the institution remains paramount," said Smith.
The Folt period at the UNC
Folt, arrived at the UNC in 2013, arrived at the university in the midst of an academic scandal that has started in 2011.
"I decided that it was the right time for me to pass the leadership of our outstanding university, with all its momentum, to the next Chancellor, and to prepare myself for my" new and the next "" said Folt. .
CNN's Chris Boyette contributed to this report.
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