Since 2000, El Paso and other states have observed C\u00e9sar Ch\u00e1vez Day as an official state holiday, honoring the birthday and legacy of the labor leader and civil rights activist. The day traditionally meant a paid day off for state employees, with many government offices, schools, and libraries closed in recognition.<\/p>\n
If you drove around El Paso you knew that Ch\u00e1vez\u2019s presence in El Paso runs deep. His image is featured in murals across the city, <\/a>his name is tied to the border highway and a YISD youth academy. Now, that legacy is being reevaluated.\u00a0<\/p>\n Recent sexual abuse allegations made by fellow labor activist Dolores Huerta,<\/a> who worked alongside Ch\u00e1vez for decades, have gained national attention, sparking conversation across Texas and here in El Paso about how Ch\u00e1vez has been honored and what comes next.<\/p>\n Read More: Hollywood Loves El Paso, Now Let\u2019s Get Productions to Film Here<\/a><\/p>\n El Paso Responds to Controversy Surrounding C\u00e9sar Ch\u00e1vez with Policy Changes<\/p>\n As a result of the recent allegations, several changes are already happening across the state and in El Paso.<\/p>\n Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the state will not recognize C\u00e9sar Ch\u00e1vez Day this year and is considering eliminating it permanently.The City of El Paso will still observe March 31 as a holiday, but it will now be called Community & Labor Heritage Day instead of C\u00e9sar Ch\u00e1vez Day.Ysleta Independent School District: A trustee is calling for the renaming of C\u00e9sar Ch\u00e1vez Academy following the allegations.UTEP: The university announced it will no longer observe C\u00e9sar Ch\u00e1vez Day on March 27 and will instead add Good Friday (April 3) as an official holiday.<\/p>\n