San Diego College District Renames Cesar Chavez Campus Amid Sex Abuse Claims

The temporary name change comes as the district initiates a process to find a permanent replacement.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:09am

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph showing the blurred outline of a college campus building, with soft pools of warm light and color creating a dreamlike, introspective atmosphere.As the San Diego community grapples with Cesar Chavez's tarnished legacy, the temporary renaming of the college campus bearing his name reflects a complex reckoning over how to properly honor historical figures accused of misconduct.San Diego Today

The San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to temporarily rename the Cesar Chavez Campus in Barrio Logan following sex abuse allegations against the late labor leader. The building will now be known as the College of Continuing Education Harbor View Campus while the district seeks a permanent replacement name.

Why it matters

The decision to rename the campus comes after growing calls to remove dedications to Chavez in light of the sex abuse allegations, which have tarnished his legacy. The district wants to be 'on the right side of history' and provide the community an opportunity to have a say in the permanent name change.

The details

The previous Cesar E. Chavez Campus was built in 2015, but the board has now voted to remove any elements connected to Chavez and start the process to rename Cesar Chavez Parkway as well. Community members shared mixed reactions, with some wanting to recognize Chavez's contributions to the farmworkers movement, while others felt his legacy should not be erased.

  • The SDCCD Board of Trustees voted on the temporary name change on Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • The district plans to return to the board with a permanent name recommendation by the end of the Fall 2026 semester.

The players

San Diego Community College District

The public community college district serving the San Diego region.

Geysil Arroyo

The SDCCD Board of Trustees president, who was inspired by Chavez as a child but is now in charge of handling his tarnished reputation.

Cesar Chavez

The late labor leader who the campus was previously named after, but now faces sex abuse allegations that have tarnished his legacy.

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What they’re saying

“Making a change gives the community the power to say 'We're not going to take it.'”

— Geysil Arroyo, SDCCD Board of Trustees President

“I'm heartbroken about the allegations that have been made against Chavez, but I think it's important to recognize the contributions he did make to the overall cause.”

— David Oddo, Community Member

“(Chavez stood) up with people as a leader. But what happened with Dolores? There's no investigation.”

— Enrique Velez Garcia, Former SDCCD Student

What’s next

The district's Continuing Education president will lead community discussions and return to the board with a permanent name recommendation by the end of the Fall 2026 semester.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the complex legacy of Cesar Chavez and the difficult process of reconciling past accomplishments with new allegations. It reflects a broader societal reckoning over how to properly honor historical figures, especially those accused of misconduct, and the importance of giving communities a voice in these decisions.