The policy of preserving historical material regarded as problematic (such as statues), with appropriate contextual explanation, rather than destroying it or attempting to erase it from history.

The phrase "battered and torn" means that something has been heavily damaged or worn out, usually as a result of being used or abused over time. It suggests that the object or person in question has endured a lot of physical or emotional hardship, leading to visible signs of wear and tear.