AUSTIN, Texas - A statue of Jefferson Davis has been removed from its place on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin after a failed appeal by a Confederate heritage group.

Crews could be seen Sunday morning removing the statue of the Confederate president from its place near the university's iconic clock tower.

University President Greg Fenves recently said the statue would be moved to a museum.

The statue has been a target of vandalism as well as criticism that it is a symbol of racism and discrimination. Confederate symbols nationwide are being re-considered following the recent mass shooting of members of a black church in Charleston, South Carolina.

A judge last week ruled against the Sons of Confederate Veterans, which sued to stop the university from moving it.