UNC Board of Governors 'cannot support' $5.3M plan to house Silent Sam statue on UNC campus Posted Dec 14, 2018 The UNC Board of Governors said it "cannot support" the plan put forth by the UNC Board of Trustees to spend $5.3 million to house Silent Sam. The Board of Governors met in closed session on Friday, debating what to do with the statue. Board Chairman Harry Smith cited student safety and the large price tag as reasons the university system decided against supporting the plan. (ABC 11)