EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14/CBS4) — What was once widely observed as Cesar Chavez Day on March 31 is being renamed in parts of El Paso amid allegations of sexual abuse against the late labor leader.
El Paso city leaders have already renamed the March 31 holiday to Labor Heritage Day, and the El Paso City Council is now considering next steps that could include renaming places and events that carry Chavez’s name.
RELATED: El Paso renames César Chávez Day as Community & Labor Heritage Day city holiday
The discussion follows a New York Times report that accused Chavez of sexual abuse against multiple women and minors, including one of his most prominent allies, Dolores Huerta.
Huerta co-founded the United Farmworkers union with Chavez.
Other local governments have also moved to change names tied to Chavez.
El Paso County commissioners voted to change the holiday name to Farm Workers Appreciation Day on Monday.
In El Paso, a City Council agenda item calls for hosting three community listening sessions to gather feedback about renaming places such as the Cesar E. Chavez Border Highway.
The agenda item says the feedback would be taken to the local state delegation to support the changes.
In a statement, District 2 Rep. Josh Acevedo, who placed the item on the agenda, said, “I join the community and nation in being shocked and appalled at learning of the allegations against Cesar Chavez and how we must reassess his legacy.”
Acevedo added, “I ask the public to reaffirm our support and commitment to survivors and to join me in continuing to honor those who fought and struggled in the labor movement.”
City Council is set to discuss the item during its meeting Tuesday morning.
AGENDA ITEM
RELATED: El Paso leaders react to sexual abuse allegations against labor rights icon Cesar Chavez
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