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UNC Board of Governors silent on 'Silent Sam' settlement, instead urges lawmakers to pass budget

UNC President Bill Roper's message to state lawmakers: "Spare us the platitudes. Just get the budget done."

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By
Laura Leslie
, WRAL Capitol Bureau chief
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina Board of Governors met Friday – the first time board members were all in the same room since they signed off on a controversial settlement that transferred ownership of the "Silent Sam" statue and $2.5 million to the Sons of Confederate Veterans in November.
Asked about that settlement, board Chairman Randy Ramsey and UNC President Dr. Bill Roper refused three times to comment, citing pending lawsuits filed by The Daily Tar Heel and a national civil rights group.

Instead, Roper wanted to convey the costs he sees to the UNC system after in the state legislature's failure to reach a deal on a budget.

Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger's prediction earlier this week that no new budget would be approved until and possibly beyond the end of the school year could spell big financial trouble for the UNC system.

Roper said the stalemate puts a hold on enrollment growth for students who need scholarships, pay raises for 47,000 full-time employees and nearly $800 million in new projects and building repairs.

Roper said he understands the budget stalemate is a political fight and 2020 is an election year, but he urged state elected leaders not to make UNC collateral damage in it.

"People have long said how much they support this system, and I ask you, please spare us the platitudes. Just get the budget done," he said.

The board passed a resolution urging all state elected leaders to come to a deal soon.

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