Officials Move to Erase Chavez Name Amid Abuse Allegations

Statues, schools, and holidays honoring the labor leader face scrutiny after claims of sexual misconduct come to light.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 11:18pm

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In the wake of explosive allegations of sexual abuse against revered labor leader César Chavez, officials across the country have begun the process of removing his name from statues, schools, streets, and other public sites that previously honored him. Chavez, the co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, is accused of grooming and sexually abusing young girls who worked with him, including fellow activist Dolores Huerta. Institutions like California State University, Fresno have already covered up or vowed to take down Chavez statues, while cities like Phoenix plan to vote on renaming Chavez-named buildings and holidays.

Why it matters

The allegations against Chavez, a towering figure in the labor and civil rights movements, have prompted a reckoning over how to handle the legacy of leaders accused of misconduct. The widespread renaming and removal of Chavez-linked sites reflects the growing pressure on institutions to confront past abuses, even of revered historical figures.

The details

Within hours of the allegations surfacing, officials at California State University, Fresno covered up a campus statue of Chavez and said they will soon take it down. The university's president cited the need for a 'moral reckoning' over the claims. Across the country, local governments are also moving to rename Chavez-named streets, buildings, and holidays, including in Phoenix. The allegations stem from a New York Times report that found credible evidence Chavez sexually abused young girls who worked with him in the farm labor movement. Dolores Huerta, Chavez's co-founder of the United Farm Workers, also revealed that she was a victim of abuse by Chavez when she was in her 30s.

  • On March 19, 2026, the allegations against Chavez were first reported.
  • Within hours of the allegations surfacing, officials at California State University, Fresno covered up a campus statue of Chavez.

The players

César Chavez

A revered labor leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers union and led a movement to improve conditions for farmworkers. He is now accused of sexually abusing young girls who worked with him in the movement.

Dolores Huerta

A labor activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (which became the United Farm Workers) with César Chavez. She has revealed that she was a victim of sexual abuse by Chavez when she was in her 30s.

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval

The president of California State University, Fresno, who cited the need for a 'moral reckoning' in announcing the removal of a Chavez statue from the campus.

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What they’re saying

“The allegations that Chavez sexually abused girls and women, including fellow movement leader Dolores Huerta, 'call for our full attention and moral reckoning by removing his statute from our campus.'”

— Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, President, California State University, Fresno

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.