” opponents argue the memorials are too often insensitive or antagonistic”
Poor feelings. Always getting hurt. If they don’t like the monument they can look away.
Although the statues are literally carved in stone or cast in bronze, if enough people don't like them, the university probably won't keep them around.
As the statues are part of an ensemble, what to do with the space if students don't want the statues is going to be a problem for the university.