FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — “It’s kind of been a roller coaster of emotions,” said Planada Elem. School District, Superintendent Jos\u00e9 L. Gonz\u00e1lez.<\/p>\n
In light of Tuesday’s bombshell sexual abuse allegations against farm labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez, communities across Central California are grappling with what to do next.<\/p>\n
In Planada, the Elementary School District includes the Cesar E. Chavez Middle School, a site home to 300 students.<\/p>\n
Superintendent Gonz\u00e1lez says all options are being considered including rescheduling its March 31 Cesar E. Chavez Day of Celebration.<\/p>\n
“We have images and likeness adorned all throughout campus,” said Superintendent Gonz\u00e1lez.<\/p>\n
Gonz\u00e1lez says he wants the district to avoid being over-reactionary, including the removal of any of those images. Other institutions taking a more immediate approach.<\/p>\n
RELATED: Live continuing coverage of allegations against Cesar Chavez<\/a><\/p>\n On Wednesday, hours after the New York Times investigation was published with detailed accounts from survivors who allege the late UFW co-founder abused “young women or minors,” the Cesar Chavez statue at Fresno State was covered by a black cloth.<\/p>\n The decision was made by the President of the university.<\/p>\n “It’s a surreal moment,” said Branden Sandoval, a Fresno State senior.<\/p>\n The City of Fresno responded as the Chavez’ name and likeness appears on more than 200 street signs as well as local parks, libraries, and schools.<\/p>\n Council member Miguel Arias supports the removal of all street signs, replacing each with previous signage.<\/p>\n “Fortunately, we still have the signs; some of them will have to be replaced and there will be a cost, but we are willing to endure that cost,” said City of Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.<\/p>\n The allegations involving the leader of the UFW hit close to home for those in the community of Planada, where many farm laborers continue to see the benefits today as a result of the decades-old movement.<\/p>\n “The movement has been larger than any one individual. We see the signs of the impact of the good as drive through our fields on the way to Planada,” said Superintendent Gonz\u00e1lez.<\/p>\n For news updates, follow Christina Lopez on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n