California leaders are weighing responses to Cesar Chavez allegations, including changing the state holiday dedicated to civil rights icon.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California leaders say they are weighing next steps following sexual assault allegations against civil rights icon Cesar Chavez, with some signaling potential changes to how the state honors his legacy.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday during an unrelated press conference that he and state leaders are still processing the allegations, while emphasizing the broader significance of the farmworker movement.
“I think all of us are processing it… (We must) reflect on a farmworker’s movement and a labor movement that was much bigger than one man and celebrate that,” Newsom said.
The governor said he was particularly shocked by claims from civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers union with and worked closely alongside Chavez. Huerta coined the popular rally cry “Sí, se puede,” or “Yes, we can.”
“(First Partner) Jen and I are very close to Dolores. Many of us are. But very close. Have been for decades and decades. And none of us knew,” Newsom said.
Legislators from both parties described the allegations as deeply troubling, while acknowledging the complexity of reconciling Chavez’s legacy with the accusations.
“The fact that an individual like that is an icon who took advantage of another icon… it’s heartbreaking,” said Asm. Mark González, a Democratic Assemblymember representing the Los Angeles area.
González noted even the street he lives on is named after Chavez.
State leaders say their focus is now on honoring farmworkers broadly, rather than centering recognition on a single figure.
“It is time to honor farmworkers, not a single person, the entire farmworker population,” said Asm. Alexandra Macedo, a Republican from Tulare County.
Lawmakers say all options are on the table, including potential changes to Cesar Chavez Day, which has been observed in California since 1995 on March 31.
Newsom said he would consider proposals related to the holiday, while Macedo and several Republican senators are pushing to rename it “Farmworker Day.”
“Schools have the option to take the day off if they want to honor this,” Macedo said. “But we’re making sure we focus on the movement, not just a singular person.”
Some are calling for an end to honoring Chavez altogether.
“We should not honor this individual at all,” said Asm. David Alvarez, a Democrat from San Diego. Alvarez added that as the son of a farmworker and as someone who grew up learning about Chavez’s legacy, the news was both personal and disappointing.
Meantime, the California Legislative Latino Caucus met Wednesday to discuss a path forward, with members prioritizing potential changes to the holiday, including renaming.
However, timing remains a challenge, members say, as Cesar Chavez Day is just 13 days away.
Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón saying in a statement:
“The accounts of abuse are devastating and painful. Thank you to the victims who found the courage and strength to share their experiences. The survivors have held onto this pain for decades, and we owe it to them to hear their voices and to honor their truth. For decades, the heart of the movement has been about farmworkers, families, and allies – not one single person. That truth remains today.”
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas says:
“For survivors and their families, the weight of their pain is real and ongoing. The first priority is to listen to them with humility and compassion. The farmworker movement has never been about one man; it is bigger than any one person, and its values of dignity and justice are more important now than ever. To those who have found the courage to come forward, my heart is with you.”
What are the legal implications of the Cesar Chavez allegations?
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