California to rename Cesar Chavez Day as Farmworkers Day following sexual abuse allegations

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: AP

Updated 1:27 PM EDT, March 19, 2026


PHOENIX (AP) — Two of California’s top lawmakers announced Thursday they want to rename César Chavez Day following stunning abuse allegations against the revered labor leader. Political leaders in states and cities are considering similar moves after the allegations became public, accusing Chavez of sexually abusing girls and the co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America union, Dolores Huerta.

There have been calls to alter memorials honoring the man who in the 1960s helped secure better wages and working conditions for farmworkers and has been long revered by many Democratic leaders in the U.S. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office said Thursday that he won’t issue a proclamation honoring César Chavez Day this year. The California Museum said it will remove Chavez from the state’s Hall of Fame. Celebrations of Chavez in Texas and in his home state of Arizona have been canceled at the request of the Cesar Chavez Foundation.

In 2000, California became the first state to designate Chavez’s birthday as a day to honor the civil rights leader. State employees were granted a day off and schools were required to teach students about his legacy and his involvement in the labor movement in California.

The leaders of the California Legislature said Thursday they would pass a bill renaming the holiday Farmworkers Day before the end of the month. The legislation would need Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approval. He said Wednesday he was open to changing the name of the holiday but made no commitment.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-08264e63b6f594278239af1ad23ba1fc

---

Exactly what I expected them to do. The movement was/is too important to bog down in its recognition.

[Stargleamer]

1. To be consistent then, they shouldn't celebrate it on his birthday (March 31st) anymore then

I think April 10th is Dolores Huerta's birthday--that makes more sense to have it on that day.

An alternative--give us June 19th off, like other states get.

[SSJVegeta]

3. June 19th is a federal holiday.

The definitely recognize it in California.

[Stargleamer]

4. True, but it's not a state holiday

California government workers still have to go to work that day, and I believe public schools are still open that day.

It’s like Columbus Day—it’s a federal holiday but California government workers still have to report to work as it’s no longer a state holiday

[SSJVegeta]

5. It is. But far more recently than I thought. (Last June)

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/06/19/governor-newsom-proclaims-juneteenth-day-of-observance-3/

[Stargleamer]

6. I stand corrected

I guess I was behind the times

[SSJVegeta]

7. You and I both. I was sure they had it as long as it has been a federal holiday.

But June 2025 is quite recent still

[obamanut2012]

9. I work for the State in CA, I get the day off with pay

Juneteenth and Chavez Day. We will still have that day off with pay.

[SSJVegeta]

2. Farmworkers day is so much more meaningful

People would ask "who is Cesar Chavez" and possibly let that answer stay in the ether. "Farmworker" is pretty self explanatory.

[obamanut2012]

8. I am glad the Legs and Gavin did this -- it's the movement, not the man

Plus, Delores Huerta did most of what he gets credit for, as well as Fred Ross and especially Larry Itliong.

[pecosbob]

10. I was living in San Francisco when they re-named Army Street to Cesar Chavez Blvd.

It pissed locals off because of the expense...now they have to change it back...more expense. The state, city or county should indemnify business owners that are affected.