El Paso joins a growing list of cities abandoning Cesar Chavez Day celebrations after reports surfaced of alleged sexual abuse by legendary labor leader Cesar Chavez.
El Paso officials announced Wednesday, March 18, that the city would recognize “Community and Labor Heritage Day” in place of the celebration of Chavez.
The late Mexican American farm labor and civil rights leader is well recognized in El Paso with his face on murals, the namesake of the border highway and a youth academy in the Ysleta Independent School District and an annual student parade by La Fe Preparatory School in the Segundo Barrio.
“The updated observance reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring that public programming remains respectful, inclusive, and aligned with community values, while continuing to recognize the broader history and contributions of farmworkers, working families, labor leaders, and community advocates whose efforts have shaped the Borderland,” the city of El Paso said in a news release. “This year’s observance also comes at a time of national reflection following recent concerns involving allegations of sexual abuse tied to César Chávez.”
“The city acknowledges the seriousness of those grave reports as they continue to be addressed publicly,” the release added. “At the same time, it is important not to lose sight of the broader work of recognizing those whose labor, sacrifices, and lived experiences are too often overlooked.”
The New York Times conducted an extensive investigation that included dozens of on-the-record interviews that exposed a pattern of sexual abuse by the famed union leader, including the sexual assault of underage girls and the rape of his closest confidant, Dolores Huerta.
The reports have tarnished Chavez’s reputation and led cities across the country to abandon their usual Cesar Chavez Day celebrations on March 31, including San Antonio, Houston, San Francisco and Tucson.
El Paso city leaders noted that March is also Women’s History Month and the change in tradition “further underscores the importance of honoring the dignity, safety, and rights of women, and of listening to experiences that may have too often gone unheard.”
No plans yet to rename Cesar Chavez Academy in El Paso
While Ysleta Independent School District recognizes the damning nature of the allegations against Chavez, there are currently no plans to change the name of the school that bears his name, the Cesar Chavez Academy in Southeast El Paso.
“Ysleta ISD is deeply saddened by the concerns that have been raised, and we are taking the allegations against Cesar Chavez very seriously,” said YISD Director of Communications Tracy Garcia-Ramirez in an email. “Our first priority is compassion and support; however, we also recognize the impact this will have on our community and the legacy of a man for whom a school in our district was named.”
“At present, our board policy only allows for the renaming of an existing facility if its ‘educational function or support activity is changed and/or redirected,'” she added. “We will listen, learn, and act thoughtfully as more information becomes available, and we will continue to carefully consider this matter in keeping with our established board policies and regulations.”
County Judge Ricardo Samaniego says March 31 should be dedicated to farmworkers
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego issued a statement regarding the Chavez allegations, saying the focus should remain on farmworkers.
“As the allegations surrounding Cesar Chavez are concerning and continue to be addressed, March 31st should remain a day dedicated to honoring the farmworkers, including community leaders who dedicated their lives advocating for dignity, fair wages, and fundamental human rights,” he said in a release.
“This morning, I spoke with Betsy Keller, Chief Administrator, to add an agenda item for the March 30th Commissioners Court meeting to recognize the farmworkers whose labor and sacrifice have helped shape our nation.”
He said El Paso County will also observe this year’s federal holiday as a moment to acknowledge the resilience and contributions of farmworkers, working families, and all those whose dedication continues to strengthen their communities.
“Our hearts are with all victims of sexual violence. We stand in support of those who have endured theunimaginable and honor their strength,” he said.
State Rep. Cesar Blanco vows to ‘stand with survivors’
For state Rep. Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso, the allegations against Chavez call for a thorough investigation and accountability.
“For decades, farmworkers and their families have carried a movement rooted in sacrifice, dignity, and the belief that their labor, and their lives, matter,” Blanco wrote in a statement. “The stories we’re hearing from survivors, including Dolores Huerta and innocent minors, demand our full attention and seriousness. They point to harm, silence, and abuses of power that should never be tolerated in any place and under any circumstance.”
“We owe it to those who came forward, and to those who never could, to listen, to take these allegations of sexual assault against Cesar Chavez seriously, and to ensure accountability,” he continued. “The fight for farmworker justice has always been grounded in dignity and respect. Those values must be upheld not only in what we demand, but also in how we conduct ourselves and protect one another.”
“I stand with survivors, and I remain committed to fighting for justice for farmworkers in a way that reflects those principles.”
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar: Allegations against Chavez ‘horrific’
In a social media post, U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar expressed shock over the allegations against Chavez, who has long been a cultural icon in El Paso and throughout the Borderland.
“The credible allegations against Cesar Chavez for rape and sexual abuse are horrific,” Escobar, D-El Paso, wrote. “My heart is with the survivors who, for decades, have seen their abuser lauded as a hero.”
“We will continue to uplift farmworkers and their families, and celebrate their fight for justice and fairness,” she added. “Chavez’s name should be removed from all our public landmarks and buildings, and I am eager to work with the community on next steps.”
Congressional Hispanic Caucus weighs in on Chavez allegations
As the fallout over the allegations against Chavez grows, Hispanic members of Congress are disavowing Chavez while still celebrating the contributions of farmworkers.
“Accountability never dies,” the Congressional Hispanic Caucus wrote in a statement Wednesday, March 18. “The allegations published against César Chávez are deeply disturbing and profoundly serious. We cannot celebrate a man, regardless of his accomplishments, if he harmed women and children in such vile ways.”
“While it’s heartbreaking when leaders are exposed as flawed beyond absolution,” the statement continued, “a just society has a duty to hold abusers accountable without exception.”
The CHC added that it “unequivocally believes and stands with survivors” and condemns “these abhorrent actions in the strongest possible terms.”
“A movement stands on its values, not the misconduct of an individual,” the CHC statement read. “The strength of a movement is defined by its constituency, by its achievements and, yes, by its willingness to hold its leaders accountable.”
“We will always support the farmworkers who feed this nation, enrich our culture and elevate our values.”
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
El Paso Times reporter Maria Cortes Gonzalez contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso drops Cesar Chavez Day after sexual abuse allegations
Reporting by Adam Powell, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
