UNC officials are preparing “for a possible rally” on Saturday after the Confederate monument known as Silent Sam was pulled down on the campus earlier this week.

Social media rumors of a possible rally have been swirling since Monday’s protest.

UNC officials said in a message to the campus community on Friday afternoon, “We understand that the rally may be on campus at McCorkle Place and in the Town of Chapel Hill, and we are working closely with town officials and law enforcement to ensure the safety of our communities, which remains our highest priority.”

Town of Chapel Hill officials told WCHL earlier Friday that no permits have been requested or granted for downtown Chapel Hill on Saturday.

But the university is an open campus and permits are not required in all cases for the campus grounds.

UNC Chancellor Carol Folt said in a teleconference with reporters on Thursday that safety for all on campus was her highest priority.

“We do not know for sure what groups may attend, but we are mindful that the current atmosphere is highly charged, and protests that begin peacefully do not always remain that way,” campus leadership wrote in Friday’s message. “For this reason, we urge you not to attend. For those who do attend, please know that we will do all we can to protect and keep everyone safe.”

Chapel Hill also released a statement ahead of a potential rally.

“It is possible that a variety of groups may come to express their views in response to Monday night’s protest,” Friday’s statement from the town read. “No permits have been requested or issued for any event in downtown Chapel Hill.”

No parking will be allowed along the 100 and 200 blocks of East Franklin Street and the 100 block on Henderson Street “through the duration of an event.” Officials said any “vehicles parked on these blocks after 7 a.m. Saturday will be towed.”

Since Monday’s rally, reactions have poured in from across North Carolina, both in support of those who pulled the monument down from its pedestal and those angry with university administrators and police for not stopping the protesters from reaching the statue.

“We’ve recently learned that some students and others in our community are receiving threats as a result of Monday’s events, and we want you to know that we take all threats seriously,” Friday’s statement read. “If you ever feel your safety is threatened, including on social media, contact police by dialing 911.”

The university said counseling services are also available for all students, faculty and staff. The full university statement is available here.

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