Abbott: Texas will not celebrate Cesar Chavez Day
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — After sexual abuse allegations arose against the co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association, Cesar Chavez, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the state will not celebrate Cesar Chavez Day.
In a post on X, Abbott said all state agencies are complying with the new change and he’s working with state lawmakers to remove the holiday from state law.
“Reports of the horrific and widely acknowledged sexual assault allegations against Cesar Chavez rightfully dismantle the myth of this progressive hero and undermine the narrative that elevated Chávez as a figure worthy of official state celebration,” Abbott said in the post.
Co-founder of the NFWA and civil rights activist, Dolores Huerta, has come out to say that she was sexually assaulted by Chavez and fathered two of her children. The New York Times named two other women who said they were also molested by Chavez.
Dolores Huerta says Cesar Chavez assaulted her, fathered 2 of her children
Cesar Chavez’s family released a statement, apologizing to the survivors and commending them for their courage.
“Our family is devastated by today’s New York Times article about our father Cesar Chavez. This is deeply painful for our family. We wish peace and healing to the survivors and commend their courage to come forward. As a family steeped in the values of equity and justice, we honor the voices of those who feel unheard and who report sexual abuse,” read part of the statement.
Cesar Chavez’s family releases statement following sexual assault, abuse allegations
Landmarks and a public school in El Paso are at risk of being renamed after the allegations against Chavez. City Representative Lily Limon has called for the removal of Chavez’s name, “we cannot honor someone who violated women in the manner that he did.”
Calls grow to remove César Chávez’s name from El Paso landmarks
Celebrations of Cesar Chavez Day have been cancelled nationwide. The City of El Paso has renamed the holiday as “Community & Labor Heritage Day”.
El Paso renames March 31 holiday amid Cesar Chavez Day controversy
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