Protesters and supporters of Silent Sam statue face off at UNC-Chapel Hill

Supporters and opponents of the Silent Sam statue, which was toppled in August, faced off Sunday at the University of Chapel Hill.

According to local media, members of each group tried to make speeches while members of the opposing group tried to shout them down. Both sides had megaphones, and the counter protesters brought along rap and punk music, party honkers and a loud siren. Barricades separated the two groups as campus police kept watch.

Last week, the university rejected a $5.3 million proposal to build a new home for the statue, citing concerns about safety and the use of state funds for the project. The plan was also met with criticism from students, faculty and civil rights group on the grounds that the monument glorifies white supremacy and slavery.

The university told reporters that the institution will explore options of moving the statue off campus.