The City of San Jose took its first step in wiping off the name of disgraced labor leader Cesar Chavez. The move comes in response to accusations that he sexually assaulted women and girls.
Responding to scathing allegations the labor leader sexually abused women and girls, San Jose city leaders acted swiftly to make sure what was once Plaza de Cesar Chavez no longer bears his name.
However, there are many more locations bearing the disgraced leader’s name, which is why the city’s Rules Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to move forward with identifying these locations and work with the public to decide on removing and replacing his name or image.
“We have to center [our focus] on the victims of individuals who prayed upon women and minors, and also we need to make sure that we provide relief to the entire community,” San Jose councilmember Peter Ortiz said.
No one from the public spoke at the committee meeting, but some residents told NBC Bay Area they would like to see Dolores Huerta’s name.
Others said any name change should reflect the contributions of all farm workers.
Bryan Ibanez just hopes to the city moves forward with respect for the Latino community.
“If you have to remove him, then remove him, but don’t remove our culture, because that is not who we are as a community a culture and heritage,” he said.
Changing all Chavez names in San Jose may not be easy; for example, renaming Cesar Chavez Elementary will likely be up to the school district.
But Wednesday’s committee vote sets the stage for the city to move forward as quickly as possible to make the changes with the help of the public.
“I think it’s important. We have the victims in the back of our minds and the front of our hearts,” SJ councilmember Bien Doan said.