MONROE (WXYZ) — A growing number of calls have been made demanding the removal of an historic statue in downtown Monroe. The statue is of General George Custer.
A protest took place as city leaders met to discuss the statue's future.
Some city council members say they are opposed to removing the statue, while others are simply taking in the message of protesters. So far, lots of emotion being shared.
The statue of Custer, whose wife was from Monroe, has been there for more than a hundred years. But now, more than ever, feelings among some are changing when it comes to the statue's meaning.
While many associate Custer with victory for the North during the Civil War, and helping abolish slavery, a petition with more than 13,000 signatures calls for the statue to be moved to a museum.
People say the atrocities committed against Native Americans aren't being acknowledged at all. Local government leaders for now appear open to modifying the site to include more historic facts, but not calling for any vote whether or not to relocate the General Custer statue.
