Sacramento Covers Cesar Chavez Statue Amid Abuse Allegations

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The City of Sacramento has covered the Cesar Chavez statue and sign located downtown after recent allegations of abuse against the civil rights leader. This comes after the cancellation of a planned march in Cesar Chavez Plaza, following a New York Times article detailing Chavez's alleged history of abusing underage girls for several years. Multiple victims have stated the abuse caused them severe mental distress, even decades later.

Why it matters

The revelations about Chavez's alleged misconduct have prompted several cities to make plans to remove landmarks depicting the civil rights icon, as communities grapple with how to reconcile his important legacy with the disturbing claims of abuse.

The details

The City of Sacramento said it covered the statue to preserve a respectful community, after the cancellation of a planned march in Cesar Chavez Plaza. This follows the publication of a New York Times article that detailed Chavez's alleged history of abusing underage girls for several years, causing severe mental distress for the victims even decades later.

• On March 21, 2026, the City of Sacramento covered the Cesar Chavez statue and sign.
• In recent weeks, the New York Times published an article detailing Chavez's alleged abuse of underage girls.

What they’re saying