California Scraps Cesar Chavez Day After Abuse Allegations

State lawmakers vote to rebrand holiday as 'Farmworkers Day' in wake of claims against labor icon

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:28am

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In a swift move, the California legislature voted to officially strip the name of labor leader Cesar Chavez from the state's calendar, renaming the March 31 holiday 'Farmworkers Day' just one week after a bombshell investigation uncovered allegations that Chavez was a serial sexual predator during the height of the farm workers' movement.

Why it matters

Chavez was long considered an untouchable civil rights icon, with his name adorning countless schools and public spaces across the state. The allegations against him have prompted a rapid and dramatic fall from grace, forcing California to reckon with the complex legacy of a once-revered figure.

The details

Assembly Bill 2156 immediately renames the March 31 holiday from Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day. The move comes after detailed accounts surfaced last week alleging that Chavez, the co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, had abused women and young girls during the labor movement. The reaction in Sacramento was swift, with lawmakers voting 37-0 in the Senate to erase Chavez's name from the state calendar.

  • The allegations against Cesar Chavez surfaced in a bombshell investigation last week.
  • The California legislature voted on Thursday to officially rebrand the March 31 holiday.
  • The new 'Farmworkers Day' holiday will be celebrated for the first time next week.

The players

Cesar Chavez

The co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, who was long considered a revered civil rights icon in California before allegations of sexual abuse surfaced.

Monique Limón

The California Senate President Pro Tem, who said the state's farmworkers 'inspire us to push for a better California' in announcing the holiday rebrand.

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What they’re saying

“Our farm workers remind us that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. Their days and their lives inspire us to push for a better California.”

— Monique Limón, California Senate President Pro Tem

What’s next

The new 'Farmworkers Day' holiday will be celebrated for the first time on March 31, 2027.

The takeaway

The swift removal of Cesar Chavez's name from the California state calendar underscores the state's determination to swiftly address allegations of sexual abuse, even against revered historical figures. This decision reflects a broader reckoning over the complex legacies of civil rights leaders and the need to prioritize accountability and victim advocacy.