César Chavez Day Events Canceled Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations

Celebrations honoring the late labor leader are being renamed, postponed or canceled after claims he sexually abused women and girls.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:03am

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Many upcoming celebrations and holidays honoring the late farmworker labor leader César Chavez are being renamed, postponed or completely canceled in the wake of allegations that he sexually abused women and girls while at the helm of the United Farm Workers Union. Labor rights activist Dolores Huerta revealed she was among those who say they were abused by Chavez, who died more than three decades ago.

Why it matters

The allegations have prompted swift fallout, including from the United Farm Workers, which announced it would not take part in any events named after the organization's former leader. Several states recognize a day on or near Chavez's March 31 birthday as an annual holiday, but some governors have now canceled those observances.

The details

Events honoring Chavez have been canceled or postponed in cities across the country, including Lansing, Michigan; Milwaukee; Coconino County, Arizona; San Jose, California; and Denver. Officials at the AFL-CIO said the allegations came as a shock and that the federation of unions would not participate or endorse any activities for César Chavez Day. Dozens of schools, streets and other locations across the United States are named for Chavez, and there are calls to rename them.

  • The allegations against Chavez surfaced this week.
  • Several states recognize a day on or near Chavez's March 31 birthday as an annual holiday.
  • Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Wednesday that his state would not observe the holiday this year.
  • Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has declined to recognize March 31 as César Chavez Day as she has in the two prior years.
  • California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday said he was still 'processing' the news and wouldn't commit to making any changes to the state holiday.

The players

Dolores Huerta

A labor rights activist who revealed she was among those who say they were abused by Chavez.

César Chavez

The late farmworker labor leader who is accused of sexually abusing women and girls while at the helm of the United Farm Workers Union.

United Farm Workers

The organization that announced it would not take part in any events named after its former leader, Chavez.

Greg Abbott

The Texas governor who announced his state would not observe the César Chávez Day holiday this year.

Katie Hobbs

The Arizona governor who has declined to recognize March 31 as César Chávez Day as she has in the two prior years.

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What they’re saying

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with any victims of assault and abuse who have described experiencing what no one — especially children — should ever have to survive. No legacy can excuse it.”

— Liz Shuler and Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO president and secretary-treasurer

“His name should be removed from landmarks, institutions and honors. We cannot celebrate someone who carried out such disturbing harm.”

— Ben Ray Luján, U.S. Senator, New Mexico Democrat

What’s next

The César Chávez National Monument in Keene, California would require an act of Congress to be renamed, according to the National Parks Conservation Association.

The takeaway

The allegations against César Chávez have prompted a reckoning across the country, with many cities and states moving to cancel or rename events and landmarks honoring the late labor leader. This reflects a growing awareness of the need to hold even revered historical figures accountable for abuses, and to ensure that public commemorations do not glorify those who have caused harm.