Sexual Abuse Claims Against César Chávez Prompt Nationwide Holiday Changes

States and cities across the nation are canceling, renaming, or postponing César Chávez Day celebrations following sexual abuse allegations against the late labor leader. Labor activist Dolores Huerta was among those who came forward with accusations against Chávez last week. Multiple governors and local officials are now distancing themselves from the former farmworker union leader's legacy.

Commemorative events honoring deceased farmworker advocate César Chávez face widespread cancellations, name changes, and delays following recent sexual misconduct accusations against the United Farm Workers Union’s former leader.

Labor advocate Dolores Huerta disclosed last week that she numbered among those alleging abuse by Chávez, who passed away over thirty years ago.

These accusations have triggered immediate consequences, with the United Farm Workers announcing they will avoid participating in any commemorations bearing their former leader’s name.

Multiple states had previously established observances around Chávez’s March 31 birth date as official holidays, and in 2014 President Barack Obama issued a proclamation designating March 31 as César Chávez Day.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation Thursday transforming César Chávez Day into Farmworkers Day. The state Senate had passed this measure earlier that day with support from both parties.

Minnesota legislators pursued comparable measures Thursday, forwarding a bill to Governor Tim Walz that would eliminate Cesar Chavez Day from the state’s official calendar.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared last week his state would skip the holiday observance this year, instructing all state department leaders to follow this directive. Abbott additionally stated he would collaborate with legislators to eliminate the holiday from state statutes.

Colorado legislators are reviewing a bill to rebrand their voluntary state holiday as Farm Workers Day. Denver changed its yearly celebration to “Si Se Puede Day” while removing a Chavez sculpture from a municipal park. Grand Junction, Colorado, officials rechristened their event the “Si, Se Puede Celebration.”

“Sí, Se Puede” represents the farmworkers movement’s battle cry — Yes We Can.

Denver’s César Chavez Peace and Justice Committee scrapped a celebration scheduled for April 11.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson’s administration announced the state will not acknowledge Cesar Chavez Day, instead emphasizing Dolores Huerta Day on April 10, marking her birthday.

Utah maintains Cesar Chavez Day recognition, but the state’s legislative session concluded in early March, prior to the sexual abuse revelations. Removing or renaming the holiday would necessitate statutory changes.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has chosen not to acknowledge March 31 as César Chavez Day as she had done the previous two years, according to spokesperson Liliana Soto last week. Though not a state holiday, some Arizona communities observe it by closing schools or government facilities. Phoenix officials voted unanimously Wednesday to rename the city holiday Farmworkers Day.

Lansing, Michigan canceled its Legacy of César Chavez Dinner scheduled for March 25. The planned keynote speaker was Chavez granddaughter Julie Chavez Rodriguez, who served as campaign manager for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in 2024.

“We remain committed to honoring the Latino community, and the service, dignity, and rights of farmworkers. We will be working on further events and celebrations in the future,” the city stated.

Milwaukee also scrapped its yearly celebration.

Arizona’s Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council delayed an annual César E. Chavez Community Breakfast, planning to reschedule it to highlight contributions and accomplishments of Hispanic county residents.

Tucson, Arizona rechristened its yearly celebration the “Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair.”

San Jose, Northern California’s largest city, is scrapping its César Chavez celebration, the mayor announced March 18. Matt Mahan stated the city would find ways to honor the farmworker movement’s legacy without celebrating “individuals who caused such profound harm to the community.”

The Hispanic Advocates and Business Leaders of Austin, Texas, announced that an annual march honoring Chavez scheduled for March 28 would not proceed. Several Austin city leaders also declared their support for renaming César Chavez Street.

AFL-CIO officials called the allegations shocking and stated the union federation would not participate in or endorse any César Chavez Day activities.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with any victims of assault and abuse who have described experiencing what no one — especially children — should ever have to survive,” AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler and secretary-treasurer Fred Redmond stated. “No legacy can excuse it.”

The organization maintains its farmworker support and said the rights they have secured “cannot be erased by the horrific actions of one person.”

Numerous schools, streets and other locations throughout the United States bear Chavez’s name, including the César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, California.

Dennis Arguelles, director of the National Parks Conservation Association in Southern California, explained that renaming the national monument would require congressional action. He stated the site should continue honoring the farmworker movement and leaders who advocated for dignity, improved working conditions and fair compensation.

The Los Angeles Unified school board approved plans Tuesday to rename schools and recognize Farmworkers Day on March 31 instead of César Chavez Day. The Los Angeles County Board of Commissioners approved similar measures.

The Lubbock Democratic Party in Texas called Wednesday for city leaders to rename César Chavez Drive to honor Dolores Huerta.

In Wisconsin, Milwaukee City Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa said discussions will soon begin regarding a street named after Chavez.

Portland, Oregon city councilor Candace Avalos announced she would initiate a petition to rename a city boulevard after Huerta. City regulations require 2,500 signatures to begin a renaming process, Avalos wrote on social media, urging constituents to watch for ways to assist the effort.

U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján, a New Mexico Democrat, issued a statement Wednesday declaring abuse of any nature, particularly against children, is inexcusable and betrays the values Latino leaders have promoted for generations.

“His name should be removed from landmarks, institutions and honors,” Luján said regarding Chavez. “We cannot celebrate someone who carried out such disturbing harm.”