EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso County has renamed Cesar Chavez Day, March 31, as Farmworkers Appreciation Day.
On Monday, March 30, County Commissioners Court approved a revision to the El Paso County Holiday Leave Policy, renaming Cesar Chavez Day. County holidays are observed as non-business days.
This comes after the City renamed Cesar Chavez Day as Community & Labor Heritage Day, following serious allegations of sexual abuse against the former co-founder of the United Farm Workers union.
El Paso renames March 31 holiday amid Cesar Chavez Day controversy
“In consideration of recent allegations involving Cesar Chavez, the Court approved this amendment out of respect for those affected. This action reflects the County’s commitment to ensuring that its policies and recognitions align with its values of respect, integrity and inclusivity,” read part of a news release by the County.
Farmworkers Appreciation Day provides an opportunity to recognize the vital role farmworkers play in sustaining agricultural productivity and supporting working families. Additionally, the observance will also acknowledge the broader contributions of labor leaders and community advocates who has advanced workers’ rights, equity and social justice, according to the County.
In a post to X, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the state will not celebrate Cesar Chavez Day and all agencies will comply with the new change. As well, Abbott said 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.
Abbott: Texas will not celebrate Cesar Chavez Day
As a result, the University of Texas at El Paso has removed Cesar Chavez Day from its holiday schedule and replaced it with Good Friday, April 3.
UTEP removes Cesar Chavez Day from holiday schedule
City leaders and the community have called for the removal of Chavez’s name from landmarks and public schools in El Paso and Las Cruces.
Las Cruces board to revisit Cesar Chavez Elementary name
“There’s a lot of things that are going to have to be renamed and with a very heavy heart. I see that it’s important that we do that, because we cannot honor someone who violated women in the manner that he did,” Rep. Lily Limon said to KTSM during an interview on Wednesday, March 18.
Calls grow to remove Cesar Chavez’s name from El Paso landmarks
The City of El Paso is set to possibly take action on the next steps to rename the Cesar Chavez Border Highway on Wednesday, April 1.
The motion is to discuss and host three community listening sessions to gather community input to inform further action for recommending to the local Texas State Delegation on renaming the border highway.
El Paso City Council to discuss renaming Cesar Chavez Border Highway
Various states and cities across the country have also renamed the holiday. In Grand Junction, Colorado, the celebration was changed to “Sí, Se Puede Celebration.” In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill to rename Cesar Chavez Day as Farmworkers Day.
Swift and widespread, efforts to rebrand César Chavez Day are fueled by emotion and duty
In observance of Community & Labor Heritage Day, all of City administrative offices will be closed on Tuesday, March 31.
City of El Paso to be closed for Labor Heritage Day
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