This message was sent to the campus community on Friday.  It was forwarded to us tonight along with permission to share it with the Chapelboro community.

UNC Dear Carolina Community:

We are writing to make you aware of a rally that may bring hundreds of people to McCorkle Place from approximately 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. Some of you may have seen a letter to the editor about this event by Student Body President Houston Summers in today’s Daily Tar Heel.

Two groups not affiliated with Carolina have informed us that they plan to gather on our campus and share their views in support of the Memorial to Civil War Soldiers of the University. There are some members of our campus community who have also said that they plan to gather and share their opinions at that event. We want to do everything possible to make sure that such debate takes place in a safe and democratic fashion as has been the tradition on our campus for decades. How our past is remembered and represented on our campus is important to us all, and people have different opinions about how best to do it.

We want to emphasize two important points regarding this event. First, safety is our highest priority. If you choose to attend, please use good judgment and help us make this event safe. Public safety officers also will be present to address concerns. If you are not attending this event, we ask you to avoid the area so that we can take best care of the participants.

Second, Carolina has a long tradition of freedom of speech. We truly believe differing views can and should be shared in open debate and discourse and we hope all participants will honor this aspiration.

Sincerely,

Carol L. Folt
Chancellor

James W. Dean, Jr.
Provost

Winston Crisp
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Jeff McCracken
Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police