Chavez’s name and image appear throughout San Diego on multiple institutions, from schools to streets to park murals.

SAN DIEGO — Prominent San Diego officials and community leaders are responding to allegations that labor rights leader Cesar Chavez sexually abused followers as young as 12 years old during the 1970s. 

The serious accusations have prompted preliminary discussions about renaming dozens of schools, parks, streets and community centers bearing his name throughout California.

The San Diego Community College District has launched a review of the potential renaming of the Cesar E. Chavez Campus in Barrio Logan following the allegations. 

“These reports are deeply concerning, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted. SDCCD is committed to providing a safe, respectful environment for all, and we do not tolerate sexual misconduct or abuse of any kind,” the district said in a statement.

Mayor Todd Gloria called for prioritizing the needs of survivors. 

“Our first concern must be with the survivors who have come forward and those who were unable to do so. Their courage in speaking out — often at great personal cost — ought to be recognized, respected, and supported,” Gloria said in a statement.

Governor Newsom expressed openness to reconsidering Cesar Chavez Day, which occurs in less than two weeks.

 “We’re for justice, we’re for truth, we’re for transparency. We want to have the back of our victims, but it is a sensitive, sensitive moment,” Newsom said.

Ana Hernandez, executive director of Centro Cultural de la Raza, said, “I was deeply horrified and hurt,” adding that “This is personal. I tend to think that we lionize these icons that we create to our own detriment.”

Community leaders emphasized that movements extend beyond individual figures. 

“This doesn’t throw the movement into disarray,” Hernandez added. “Any movement is much larger than any particular leader, icon, symbol, representative, and all of these folks need to be held accountable just as the rest of us do.”

Karla Reyes, operations manager of Centro Cultural de la Raza, praised those women who have come forward.

“I send them lots of love and empowerment because that was courageous, and I think it allows us to reflect on who we’re idolizing,” Reyes told CBS 8.

Chavez’s name appears throughout San Diego in multiple institutions, including Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Southcrest, Cesar E. Chavez Parkway, a mural in Chicano Park and Cesar E. Chavez Campus.

San Diego Unified School District’s superintendent Fabi Bagula emphasized institutional responsibility to survivors. 

“Our first responsibility is to acknowledge and support anyone who may have been harmed,” Bagula said, adding, “As we move forward, including conversations about a school that bears his name, our focus will be on listening deeply to better understand the impact to the school community and how we might collectively move forward in a way that prioritizes student safety and a sense of belonging.”