The word "racist" was spray-painted on the back of a New York City statue depicting a Civil War-era physician Aug. 27 who allegedly experimented on slaves, according to NBC-4 News.
The statue, located on the edge of New York City's Central Park, depicts James Marion Sims, MD, a Confederate-era physician who allegedly conducted experimental operations on at least 10 enslaved black women without their consent.
The figure's eyes and neck were vandalized with red spray paint early Saturday morning as well, according to the report.
New York City Department of Parks and Recreation workers arrived later in the day to remove the graffiti. However, some of the paint was reportedly still visible on the statue Sunday.
Protestors have asked public officials to remove the statue following a national movement to remove public statues commemorating figures from the Confederacy.
The deputy press secretary for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio told USA Today Aug. 21 the city plans to assemble a panel of experts and community leaders to develop the framework to evaluate public structures and controversial pieces of art.