UNC students protesting Silent Sam launch economic boycott

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Student organizers seeking the removal of a UNC-Chapel Hill Confederate statue have embarked on a monthlong boycott of commercial goods on campus.

The boycott launched Monday with a social media push follows marches, sit-ins, noise demonstrations and a lawyer's letter last week threatening a federal anti-discrimination lawsuit in an effort to remove the Silent Sam statue.

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The boycott encompasses the Student Stores, the main dining hall, cafes, a snack stand, a bagel shop, Wendy's, Starbucks and parking garages, and will end Oct. 18.

Student leaders say they don't know how many people are participating. Organizers have offered students low-cost alternatives and suggestions for downtown restaurants providing discounts.

Chancellor Carol Folt has said the university doesn't have the legal authority to remove the statue.

Associated Press