California Renames César Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day

Move comes amid allegations of sexual abuse against the labor icon

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:35am

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California has renamed its César Chavez Day holiday to Farmworkers Day in an effort to reconcile the labor leader's legacy with recent sexual abuse allegations. The state Senate approved the legislation with bipartisan support, as cities across California have taken steps to remove Chavez's name from public landmarks.

Why it matters

The renaming reflects a growing national reckoning with the complexities of historical figures and the need to acknowledge harm even while recognizing contributions. This situation highlights the challenge of reconciling a legacy of labor rights advocacy with serious allegations of misconduct.

The details

The change comes after allegations surfaced that Chavez had sexually abused girls and women during the 1960s while building a major farmworker labor rights movement in California. Dolores Huerta, who co-led the movement, was among those who accused him. The swift effort to remove Chavez's name from public life was previously unthinkable, given his iconic status since his death in 1993.

  • The state Senate approved the legislation earlier on Thursday.
  • The California bill also passed in the Assembly with bipartisan support on Monday.
  • California was the first state to designate Chavez's birthday, March 31, as a holiday nearly 30 years ago.

The players

Gavin Newsom

California's Democratic governor who signed the bill to rename César Chavez Day.

Dolores Huerta

Co-leader of the farmworker labor rights movement who accused Chavez of sexual abuse.

Suzette Valladares

Republican California state senator who said the movement brought together workers from different backgrounds.

Monique Limon

California Senate President Pro Tempore who said honoring farmworkers is important in the face of federal immigration raids.

Cecilia Aguiar-Curry

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

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What they’re saying

“This is not about one person. This is not about one narrative. It's about honoring generations of sacrifice, of resilience and hope.”

— Suzette Valladares, California state senator

“His death is a reminder of how much farmworkers risk every day to put food on our table. Our farmworkers remind us that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”

— Monique Limon, California Senate President Pro Tempore

“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

What’s next

State leaders said they are in conversation with school officials to adjust lesson plans regarding César Chavez's legacy and role in the labor movement.

The takeaway

The renaming of this holiday reflects a growing national reckoning with the complexities of historical figures and the need to acknowledge harm even while recognizing contributions. This situation highlights the challenge of reconciling a legacy of labor rights advocacy with serious allegations of misconduct.