The school district is recognizing labor leader Huerta following sexual abuse allegations made against late activist César Chávez.
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin ISD is set to close on Tuesday, March 31, in honor of labor leader Dolores Huerta.
In a message to the community, AISD Superintendent Matias Segura said all offices will close to commemorate the work of 95-year-old Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers Association (UFW) alongside civil rights activist César Chávez.
The decision comes after the city of Austin canceled its annual César Chávez parade following sexual abuse allegations made against the farm labor leader.
“We are mindful of the serious allegations involving César Chávez and recognize the significant weight these reports carry for many in our community,” Segura said, adding that AISD plans to review its current curriculum to ensure it is “teaching history with the depth and complexity our students deserve,” in accordance with statewide standards.
The school district is also preparing to discuss calendar changes during a board meeting on Thursday, March 26.
Allegations against Chávez came earlier this week. The UFW said it will no longer commemorate the late activist’s birthday following claims of abuse involving “very young women or girls.”
Since the initial report, people – including Huerta – have shared personal accounts of the alleged abuse.
“I have never identified myself as a victim, but I now understand that I am a survivor – of violence, of sexual abuse, of domineering men who saw me and other women as property or things to control,” Huerta wrote in part.
Following the UFW’s decision to halt its celebration, cities across the U.S. have canceled events honoring Chávez, including Houston, San Antonio, and San Jose, California.