Within hours of explosive sexual abuse allegations against César Chavez, officials at California State University, Fresno took swift action: First, a black cloth was placed over a campus statue of Chavez, later followed by a plywood box hiding it from public view. Soon, officials announced it will be removed.
The statue at California State University, Fresno, is just one of numerous monuments, city streets, and elementary schools that honor Chavez's name and labor movement legacy across the U.S. The Associated Press identified over 130 locations or objects named after Chavez across 19 states, including libraries, streets, community centers, and public parks.
Overnight, the once-cherished name has become a stain for many. Institutions and local governments are beginning to erase Chavez’s names from sites and discussing the potential renaming of César Chavez Day, a federally proclaimed holiday on his birthday, March 31. Many celebrations planned for this month have been canceled.
Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, president of California State University, Fresno, states, The allegations that Chavez sexually abused girls and women, including fellow movement leader Dolores Huerta, call for our full attention and moral reckoning by removing his statue from our campus.” The timeline for removal remains unclear.
The future of the César E. Chavez National Monument in Keene, California, where some of the reported incidents took place, is also uncertain.
A Push for Honoring Huerta Instead
At the César Chavez Student Center at San Francisco State University, student Luca Broggi Hendryx shared how he idolized Chavez growing up. However, he now believes the university should change the student center's name. “It made total sense: He was seen as an icon for the Latino Civil Rights movement. But now it feels the opposite,” Hendryx remarked. Some are calling to rename places honoring Chavez for Huerta instead.
In Phoenix, city council members plan to vote on renaming not only the holiday but also any buildings and streets named after Chavez. Mayor Kate Gallego advocates for César Chavez Day to be renamed Farmworkers Day, stating, “We have a duty to honor the dignity of the survivors and move forward in a way that reflects our values.”
In Denver, Mayor Mike Johnston announced that the holiday would temporarily be celebrated as Sí, Se Puede Day, while discussions continue on its future naming. “We will not let the sins of one man set back the commitment of a community that has fought for decades to deliver on the fundamental belief that justice is for everyone,” Johnston stated during the announcement.
These actions are a response to allegations reported by The New York Times, revealing credible accusations that Chavez groomed and sexually abused young girls involved in the movement. This prompted some victims to come forward, particularly after proposals to name public spaces after him.
Among locations bearing Chavez’s name is a U.S. Navy cargo ship that commemorates his service during World War II, as well as a national monument established by President Obama in 2012. Most Chavez-named locations are in California, but they extend to at least 19 states, including some in New York and Oklahoma.
Alterations to national monuments require an act of Congress or presidential action, making changes complex. Previous reviews occurred to rename assets honoring Confederate leaders in response to civil rights movements that followed the 2020 killing of George Floyd.
