Duke University discovered vandalism was done to a Robert E. Lee statue Thursday, including what appear to be holes in the statue’s nose and forehead.

Duke officials have launched an investigation into defacement on the statue near the school’s Duke Chapel, reported Duke Today.

“Duke University is a place of sanctuary and refuge that belongs to every member of the Duke community,” said Vincent E. Price, the school’s president. “Each of us deserves a voice in determining how to address the questions raised by the statues of Robert E. Lee and others, and confront the darker moments in our nation’s history.”

“For an individual or group of individuals to take matters into their own hands and vandalize a house of worship undermines the right, protected in our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, of every Duke student and employee to participate fully in university life.”

The vandal appears to have damaged the lower forehead, nose, and upper left cheek of the Lee statue, as can be seen here. The statue now has holes on its nose and the area above its left eyebrow. (RELATED: Lincoln Memorial Vandalized With Red Spray Paint)

The Daily Caller News Foundation reached out to Duke for comment, but received none in time for publication.

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