EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso residents are being asked to weigh in on a possible redesignation of the Cesar Chavez Border Highway following sexual abuse allegations against the civil rights icon.
In a social media post on Monday, State Sen. Cesar Blanco, who represents El Paso, said he is seeking public input on the potential redesignation of the Cesar Chavez Border Highway “as part of a community-driven process,” saying the effort is meant to ensure “any decision reflects El Paso’s voice.”
A survey has been shared with the public to collect feedback, and it will remain available through Aug. 31.
“The Office of Senator Blanco is gathering community input to better understand perspectives on the Cesar Chavez Border Highway and whether any change to its designation should be considered in the future, including the possibility of renaming or leaving the designation as is,” the survey said.
Adding, “This effort is intended to ensure that any potential next steps are informed directly by the voices of El Paso residents. Senator Blanco is reviewing feedback as part of an ongoing, exploratory process to determine whether to pursue any formal action during the 90th Legislative Session.”
According to Blanco’s survey, under Texas law, any costs associated with the renaming process will be paid for through private funding, as state funds are not allowed for roadway renaming.
The survey and calls for renaming the border highway come after other institutions have also begun to change or remove Chavez’s name following a New York Times report that accused Chavez of sexual abuse against multiple women and minors.
Chávez, a nationally known leader in the Latino civil rights movement during the 1960s, organized protests for farmworkers to receive better wages and working conditions.
In the New York Times report, Chavez, who died in 1993, was accused of sexually abusing and grooming young girls who worked in the movement, including civil rights icon and co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), Dolores Huerta, who was in her 30’s at the time.
According to the investigation, the women say Chavez sexually abused them after grooming them, with the abuse happening as young as 12, during the time Chavez led the United Farm Workers Union.
The survey also comes after an El Paso City Council agenda item in late March called for three community listening sessions to gather feedback about renaming places such as the Cesar Chavez Border Highway.
The agenda item says the feedback would be taken to the local state delegation to support the changes.
In a previous 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.”
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