SACRAMENTO, Calif (AP) — In a decisive move, California lawmakers voted on Thursday to rename César Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day, responding to serious sexual abuse allegations that have surfaced against the revered labor icon.
Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is anticipated to quickly endorse the bill. The renaming follows the emergence of allegations that Chavez had engaged in sexual misconduct during his time as a leader of the farmworkers’ rights movement in the 1960s. Among the accusers is Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers alongside Chavez.
This legislative change reflects a broader trend to reassess memorials dedicated to Chavez, who was instrumental in advocating for better wages and working conditions for agricultural laborers. His influence has long been celebrated, but the recent allegations prompt a reconsideration of how he is honored.
California was the first state to recognize Chavez’s birthday, March 31, as an official holiday nearly 30 years ago. The legislature previously designated it as a paid day off for state employees, emphasizing the importance of educating students about his contributions to labor rights.
Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry stated, “We cannot ignore wrongdoing and we should not continue to celebrate a single person when the movement itself is so much bigger.” Meanwhile, Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo highlighted that the focus should be on honoring the sacrifices of farmworkers and their families.
Although some cities have begun to remove Chavez's name from public landmarks, advocates continue to call for recognizing the profound impact of farmworkers throughout history, especially in light of recent incidents of federal immigration enforcement against those in agricultural jobs.
As the legislation moves forward, Senate Pro Tempore President Monique Limon expressed the necessity of honoring farmworkers amidst ongoing struggles for dignity and respect in the workplace.
