Texas won't observe Cesar Chavez Day after sexual assault allegations, Abbott says

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday the state will not observe Cesar Chavez Day after new allegations of sexual abuse were leveled against the celebrated labor rights advocate.

The announcement comes as cities, school districts and lawmakers across Texas consider additional steps, including renaming streets and buildings that bear Chavez’s name and revisiting the holiday during the next legislative session.

What we know:

On Wednesday, the New York Times posted its investigation that featured testimony from two women who said Chavez abused them for years when they were minors. 

Other women, including labor leader Dolores Huerta, also told the Times that Chavez sexually assaulted them.

Chavez, long revered for his role in securing better wages and working conditions for farmworkers in the 1960s, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farmworkers Union. 

Before the new allegations came out, planned celebrations honoring Cesar Chavez were canceled, including several by the United Farmworkers Union.

The union called the allegations of abuse "shocking," "disturbing" and "indefensible."

In Austin, PODER (People Organized in Defense of the Earth and her Resources) canceled their annual Cesar Chavez March that was originally set for March 28.

Dolores Huerta speaks out

After the New York Times article came out, Dolores Huerta made a public statement about her experience. 

"I have encouraged people to always use their voice. Following the New York Times’ multi-year investigation into sexual misconduct by Cesar Chavez, I can no longer stay silent and must share my own experiences," Huerta said in a statement.

She said Chavez sexually abused her on two separate occasions. Both times led to pregnancies by Chavez. 

You can read her full statement below:

Some Austin leaders want to rename East Austin street

Dig deeper:

Several Austin officials are also supporting the renaming of Cesar Chavez Street. 

Austin City Council members Vanessa Fuentes, Jose Velasquez, and Jose ‘Chito’ Vela, along with Travis County Attorney Delia Garza, released a statement.

It reads in part, "The center of our city and the heart of East Austin should reflect our commitment to justice. We support the renaming of Cesar Chavez Street and will begin the discussion with the community at the forefront."

You can read the full statement below: 

Growing response across Texas

What they're saying:

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released the following statement Wednesday about the allegations made against Chavez:

"The State of Texas will not observe the Cesar Chavez Day holiday. I am directing all Texas state agency heads to comply. In the upcoming legislative session, I will work with Texas lawmakers to remove Cesar Chavez Day from state law altogether.

"Reports of the horrific and widely acknowledged sexual assault allegations against Cesar Chavez rightfully dismantle the myth of this progressive hero and undermine the narrative that elevated Chavez as a figure worthy of official state celebration."

Cesar Chavez Day was set for March 31.

Rep. James Talarico also released a statement on Chavez: 

"I’m heartbroken to hear of the abuses perpetrated by Cesar Chavez against children and women involved in the United Farm Workers movement.

I stand with Dolores Huerta, Ana Murguia, Debra Rojas, and all other survivors — and I commend their bravery as well as their commitment to truth and accountability.

In the Bible, Jesus tells us, ‘Blessed are you who weep.’ Many of us are weeping today as we learn about these unspeakable allegations — but sometimes we see the path toward justice most clearly through our tears.

We must continue to support and uplift the farmworkers’ movement as we grapple with these painful truths and call out abuses of power."

Chair for the Mexican American Legislative Caucus speaks on the allegations

State Rep. Ramon Romero, a Democrat and chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, said Huerta’s allegations were difficult to hear but emphasized the importance of separating Chavez’s legacy from the broader movement.

"I have a personal relationship with Dolores Huerta, so hearing her words were very hard to accept," Romero said.

Romero added that while Chavez’s name may be reconsidered, the impact of the farmworkers' movement should still be recognized. 

"We have to acknowledge that that movement changed people’s lives through better wages, through better health outcomes, through education, political power," he said.

LULAC statement

Big picture view:

Advocacy groups are also weighing in as the League of United Latin American Citizens said in a statement:

"No individual, regardless of stature or legacy, is above accountability when it comes to protecting and upholding the dignity of others."

Conflating the movement with the person

Carlos Quintanilla, president of Accion America in Dallas, said activists want to ensure the movement is not conflated with the allegations against Chavez.

"People should not try to confuse the activism of Cesar Chavez with the modern-day activism of activists who are fighting every day on behalf of immigrant families," Quintanilla said.

Schools named after Chavez

What's next:

Across Texas, school districts and local governments are beginning to review how Chavez is recognized in public spaces.

Several North Texas elementary schools in Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD and Little Elm ISD are named after Chavez. Little Elm ISD officials said they are reviewing the information before making any decisions.

Dallas and Fort Worth ISDs are currently on spring break.

Meanwhile, legislators are expected to take up the issue during the next legislative session as calls grow to reevaluate Chavez’s place in public honors.

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