The Austin Independent School District will no longer honor Cesar Chavez when students and staff have a holiday March 31 after a New York Times investigation revealed allegations that the civil rights and labor leader sexually abused women and children.
“While we hold space for these difficult accounts, we remain committed to honoring the foundational impact of the labor leaders and civil rights activists who have shaped our nation,” Superintendent Matias Segura said in a Thursday statement.
Austin ISD has honored both labor leaders with a March 31 student and staff holiday for several years.
In the upcoming weeks, Austin ISD administrators plan to reflect and consider what the allegations mean for the district, Segura said. Those reflections will include a review of curriculum and instructional guidance to ensure the district is teaching history “with the depth and complexity our students deserve and as required by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills,” which are a set of statewide standards that outline what students learn in Texas public schools.
The AISD Board of Trustees will also discuss the calendar update during an already scheduled meeting next Thursday, Segura said.
“We are mindful of the serious allegations involving Cesar Chavez and recognize the significant weight these reports carry for many in our community,” Segura said.
Segura suggested those who need support processing the information can reach out to Austin Integral Care at 512-472-4357.