EL PASO, Tx., March 19, 2026: Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) Trustee Chris Hernandez announced today that he will seek to rename the Cesar Chavez Academy at the school district. But because district policy restricts the renaming of schools, Hernandez will first have to convince the school board to update the policy.
In light of the controversy over civil rights leader Cesar Chavez’s abuse of young women, many communities, including El Paso are seeking to rename public works named after Chavez and cancel memorials and events about him.
In a statement today, Hernandez said that “in light of the serious allegations that have come forward, I believe it is appropriate for our district to take action,” he said. Hernandez added that “our schools are more than buildings,” adding that the buildings “represent the values we expect and teach our students every day.”
According to Hernandez, current policy only allows for renaming facilities “under limited circumstances tied to changes in a school’s educational function.” He added that he has spoken to the board president about revising the policy. Hernandez did not say if the president supports the policy change.
“As a school board, our responsibility is to our students and our community,” Hernandez said, adding that “when questions arise about the individuals we honor, we have an obligation to take a hard look at whether those honors still reflect the standards we expect.”
Hernandez said he supports “a thoughtful and transparent process,” and wants input from stakeholders such as parents, students and community leaders.
He added that “our students deserve” respecting “history while also holding ourselves to a higher standard.”
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