On Wednesday, Carlos Orellana found out about the sexual abuse allegations tied to the icon that his school is named after, Cesar E. Chavez high school in Delano.
“Immediately, I was kind of like disgusted,” he said.
That drove him to start a petition to rename the high school that he is graduating from in a few months.
He sought the help of his brother Jose, an alumnus who is executive director of “Loud for Tomorrow,” a youth-led, youth-empowering organization in Delano.
Jose says Chavez inspired him to be a youth leader, but Jose was disappointed after learning about the allegations.
“I want to be able to be proud that I came from this high school and if I say Cesar Chavez High School i don’t feel very prideful of that given the nature of what is coming out right now,” Jose said.
Within a day, Jose said they received more than 300 signatures in favor of changing the name.
The Delano Joint Union High School District sent a release Thursday afternoon, saying it will start a formal review of the name of Cesar E. Chavez High School amid the allegations against Chavez.
The statement read in part:
“As a school district with a school bearing his name, we recognize the heightened concern within our campus community and the broader public. We are committed to approaching this matter thoughtfully and responsibly, with care for the impact on our students, staff, families and community members.”
Gabby Ramirez said she signed the petition to rename the high school she attends.
“I don’t think somebody that has done all that should deserve to have a school to be named after them.”
Patricia Barrera, a farmworker for over 20 years, told me she doesn’t think the name should change because Chavez’s impact is important and so much time has passed since his death.
“It should stay the way it is. In my opinion, it should stay the way it is because what is going to change, to change the name? What is going to change?” she said in Spanish.
Still, several students are wanting to change the name.
“We’re Delano. We’re where the labor union started. So if we can see other places, like Bakersfield or Texas or Phoenix, Los Angeles, changing things. Then why can’t we do that when change started here, you know?” Jadalynn Ramos said.
Carlos says he is proud he started the petition.
“My original thing with the petition wasn’t to shame the school because at the end of the day, I love this school. It’s made me who I am. I’ve been able to get the chances I have because of it.” but at the same time i don’t think we should have the school named after him.”