AUSTIN, Texas — State lawmakers in Texas are responding to allegations that civil rights leader Cesar Chavez sexually assaulted women and girls, including labor rights activist Dolores Huerta.
The reaction has been immediate, with calls to rename streets and cancel festivals associated with Chavez. Governor Greg Abbott announced that the state will no longer recognize the holiday named in Chavez’s honor.
State Senator Carol Alvarado described feelings of “hurt, disappointment, shock, [and] disbelief,” noting that many people had grown up honoring Chavez.
“It’s been a tough couple of days to deal with, but also appreciate and respect the people who have come forward,” Alvarado said.
Alvarado, who knows Huerta and members of Chavez’s family, addressed the developments after Huerta publicly revealed she is among those accusing Chavez of sexual abuse. Huerta also stated that the alleged assaults resulted in two pregnancies.
Alvarado said, “I’m sure it was very difficult, especially if that was something you’ve been holding inside yourself for decades.”
On Wednesday, Governor Abbott announced that Texas will not observe Cesar Chavez Day and said he would work with lawmakers to remove the holiday from state law.
Alvarado confirmed that any change would require legislative action, stating, “I am looking to file legislation because the holiday was created through legislation, so it’s in statute, so we have to go back to that next session and do away with it and introduce something, which I plan to do to honor Dolores Huerta.”
When asked about reports that a resolution could be introduced outside of the regular legislative session, Alvarado said, “We really can’t do that. We’re looking at that, but we’re trying to determine if that can be done.”
State Senator Jose Menendez, chair of the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus, was not available for an interview. However, he issued a statement on Facebook saying in part, “The Senate Hispanic Caucus stands with the women who have reported abuse by Cesar Chavez.”
Alvarado said the proposal under consideration includes replacing the March 31 Cesar Chavez state holiday with April 10, Huerta’s birthday.