San Diego College District Considers Renaming Cesar Chavez Building

Board of Trustees weighs options following sexual abuse allegations against labor leader

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of the César E. Chávez Campus building, repeated in a tight grid pattern with flat, unnatural neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the re-evaluation of Chávez's legacy.As the San Diego Community College District weighs renaming a campus honoring César Chávez, the vibrant pop art treatment reflects the complex legacy of the influential labor leader.San Diego Today

The San Diego Community College District's Board of Trustees is considering renaming the César E. Chávez Campus in Barrio Logan following reports of sexual abuse allegations against labor leader César Chávez. The district is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment and is engaging the community on the potential renaming decision.

Why it matters

The reports of sexual misconduct by Chávez have prompted a re-evaluation of institutions and public spaces named after him across California. This reflects a broader reckoning with the legacies of influential figures who may have also committed abuses of power.

The details

The 67,924-square-foot César E. Chávez Campus in Barrio Logan opened in 2015 and serves thousands of adult education students. The district is now considering renaming the facility following a New York Times report that Chávez allegedly sexually assaulted female followers as young as 12 and raped United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta in 1966. The district is committed to a transparent, community-driven process to determine the campus' future name.

  • The New York Times report on the allegations against Chávez was published last month.
  • The SDCCD board meeting to discuss the potential renaming will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on April 6, 2026.

The players

San Diego Community College District

The public community college district that oversees the César E. Chávez Campus in Barrio Logan.

César E. Chávez

The late labor leader and civil rights activist whose name is currently on the Barrio Logan campus.

Dolores Huerta

The 95-year-old co-founder of the United Farm Workers who alleges Chávez raped her in 1966.

Gregory Smith

The chancellor of the San Diego Community College District.

Tina M. King

The president of the College of Continuing Education at the César E. Chávez Campus.

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What they’re saying

“These reports are deeply concerning, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted. SDCCD is committed to providing a safe, respectful environment for all, and we do not tolerate sexual misconduct or abuse of any kind.”

— San Diego Community College District

“For all of us engaged in advancing equity in education, labor advocacy, immigration justice, and basic needs security, your work matters now more than ever. We ask you to remain committed to it. Honor the movement by continuing it and by building it in a way that does not replicate the abuses of power that have caused so much harm.”

— Gregory Smith, Chancellor, San Diego Community College District

“We recognize the significance of this moment and are committed to a thoughtful, transparent process that reflects the voices and values of the community we serve.”

— Tina M. King, President, College of Continuing Education

“Unfortunately, he used some of his great leadership to abuse women and children -- it's really awful.”

— Dolores Huerta

What’s next

The SDCCD board will hold a public meeting on April 6, 2026 to gather community feedback on the potential renaming of the César E. Chávez Campus. A decision on whether to move forward with a renaming is expected to follow this meeting.

The takeaway

The allegations against César Chávez have forced a reckoning over his legacy, prompting educational institutions and public spaces named after him to re-evaluate whether honoring him is still appropriate. This reflects a broader societal shift in how we grapple with the complex histories of influential figures who may have also committed abuses of power.