EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso institutions are now considering renaming Cesar Chávez landmarks following the sexual abuse allegations against the late labor leader and civil rights activist.
Chávez, a nationally known leader in the Latino civil rights movement during the 1960s, began organizing protests for farmworkers to receive better wages and working conditions.
On Wednesday, a multi-year New York Times investigation revealed detailed allegations that Chávez, who died in 1993, sexually abused and groomed young girls who worked in the movement, including civil rights icon and co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), Dolores Huerta, who was in her 30’s at the time.
According to the investigation, the women say Chavez sexually abused them after grooming them, with the abuse happening as young as 12, during the time Chavez led the United Farm Workers Union.
Following the allegations, several institutions have said they will consider renaming the landmarks that were named after Chávez.
In a statement emailed to KFOX14/CBS4, Texas Senator Cesar Blanco, who represents El Paso, said in the wake of the allegations, his office will begin to explore legislative options to rename the César Chávez Border Highway, a six-lane freeway that runs directly along the U.S.-Mexico border.
“In light of allegations of sexual assault by Cesar Chavez and the survivors who have come forward, we believe it’s appropriate to take a closer look at how we honor individuals in our public spaces. Our office will begin exploring potential legislative options related to the naming of the César Chávez Border Highway and similar designations. We want this to be a community-driven conversation, and we’ll be seeking input from the community before making any decisions.”
Meanwhile, the Ysleta Independent School District, which has an alternative school named the Cesar Chavez Academy, said in a statement to KFOX14/CBS4 that the district will consider the matter, but board policy only allows for renaming if the “educational function is changed.”
“Ysleta ISD is deeply saddened by the concerns that have been raised, and we are taking the allegations against Cesar Chavez very seriously. Our first priority is compassion and support; however, we also recognize the impact this will have on our community and the legacy of a man for whom a school in our district was named. At present, our board policy (CW Local) only allows for the renaming of an existing facility if its “educational function or support activity is changed and/or redirected.” We will listen, learn, and act thoughtfully as more information becomes available, and we will continue to carefully consider this matter in keeping with our established board policies and regulations,” said Tracy Beatrice, Director of Communications at YISD.
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