BAKERSFIELD, Calif (KBAK/KBFX) A New York Times report alleging sexual abuse by late labor leader Cesar Chavez is prompting swift reaction across California and the nation, including a push at the state Capitol to rename the holiday that bears his name.
California lawmakers have introduced legislation to change Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Worker Day.
New York Times report prompts calls to rename Cesar Chavez Day amid abuse allegations{ }(AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said, “That is why I’ll be working with Senate Pro Tem to be introducing legislation to rename Cesar Day to Farm Worker Day.”
During a press conference on Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he supports the effort. “I’m certainly supportive of the direction that many are promoting including members of the legislature and I look forward to moving that along in an expeditious way,” Newsom said.
Supporters say the proposal is bipartisan.
New York Times report prompts calls to rename Cesar Chavez Day amid abuse allegations{ }(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo, a Republican from Tulare, said, “This is bipartisan, this is the right thing to do the legislation that we are all in agreement on is striking that the state holiday will be referred to as Cesar Chavez and it will be referred to as Farm Workers Day.”
Macedo said the change would shift the holiday’s focus from one person to farmworkers.
{ }New York Times report prompts calls to rename Cesar Chavez Day amid abuse allegations (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)
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“We feed and clothe not just California, not just the United States, the entire world and its time that we honor that. So, this is truly exciting for all of us but particularly those in the Central Valley that see this day in and day out,” she said.