California to Rename César Chávez Day to Farmworkers Day

State lawmakers vote to change holiday after sexual abuse allegations against labor icon

Mar. 26, 2026 at 9:18am

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California lawmakers will vote on Thursday to rename César Chávez Day as Farmworkers Day, in an effort to reconcile the labor leader's legacy with recent allegations of sexual abuse. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to quickly sign the bill into law.

Why it matters

The swift and sweeping effort to erase Chávez's name from public life was previously unthinkable, as his status had only grown more iconic since his death in 1993. This change reflects a broader reckoning with the civil rights leader's legacy in light of the serious allegations against him.

The details

The change comes after allegations became public last week that Chávez had sexually abused girls and women during his days building a major farmworker labor rights movement in the 1960s in California's agricultural heartland. Among those who accused him was Dolores Huerta, who co-led the movement that eventually became the United Farm Workers.

  • The California bill passed in the Assembly with bipartisan support on Monday and is now before the Senate.
  • The Legislature in 2000 passed a bill to make Chávez's birthday, March 31, an official paid day off for state employees and require that students learn about his legacy and his role in the labor movement in California.
  • California was the first state to designate Chávez's birthday as a holiday to honor the civil rights leader nearly 30 years ago.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who is expected to quickly sign the bill renaming César Chávez Day.

Dolores Huerta

The co-founder of the United Farm Workers who accused Chávez of sexually abusing girls and women during the labor movement in the 1960s.

Cecilia Aguiar-Curry

The California Assemblymember who said "We cannot ignore wrongdoing and we should not continue to celebrate a single person when the movement itself is so much bigger."

Alexandra Macedo

The Republican California Assemblymember who said the change is about honoring workers and their families.

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What they’re saying

“We cannot ignore wrongdoing and we should not continue to celebrate a single person when the movement itself is so much bigger.”

— Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, California Assemblymember

“This isn't just about a date on a calendar or a name on a building. It is about the hands that feed this nation. It is about the men and women who are in the orchards, in the fields, before the sun even touches the horizon, and who are still there long after it sets.”

— Alexandra Macedo, California Assemblymember

What’s next

The California bill is now before the Senate and is expected to be signed into law quickly by Governor Newsom.

The takeaway

This decision reflects a broader reckoning with Chávez's legacy in light of serious allegations of sexual abuse, and a shift towards honoring the broader farmworker movement rather than celebrating a single individual whose actions have come into question.