Seattle Nonprofit Removes César Chávez Name After Abuse Allegations

El Centro de la Raza to rename garden and other tributes to the labor leader following reports of sexual misconduct.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:48am

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Following a New York Times report detailing allegations that César Chávez sexually abused women and girls, including fellow labor leader Dolores Huerta, the Seattle nonprofit El Centro de la Raza has announced it will remove Chávez's name from a garden and other tributes at its building. Executive Director Estella Ortega said "The farm worker movement is bigger than just one person" and that the changes are necessary in light of the serious allegations against Chávez.

Why it matters

The renewed debate in Seattle follows similar actions across the country, as officials and institutions reconsider commemorations of Chávez in the wake of the abuse allegations. This highlights the broader reckoning happening around honoring historical figures accused of misconduct, and the challenges of separating an individual's legacy from the broader social movements they were part of.

The details

At El Centro de la Raza, Ortega said a garden named for Chávez will be renamed and other tributes at the building will also change. This comes after Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said he will not issue a proclamation for César Chávez Day this year and instead plans to celebrate Dolores Huerta Day. State Sen. Rebecca Saldaña said Latino leaders are urging this year's March 31 observance to focus on community service, survivors and the broader farmworker cause, rather than celebration.

  • The New York Times report detailing the allegations against Chávez was published this week.
  • On March 19, 2026, a photo of the garden named after Chávez at El Centro de la Raza was taken.
  • Gov. Ferguson said he will not issue a proclamation for César Chávez Day this year, and instead plans to celebrate Dolores Huerta Day on April 10.

The players

Estella Ortega

The executive director of El Centro de la Raza in Seattle.

Bob Ferguson

The governor of Washington who said he will not issue a proclamation for César Chávez Day this year.

Rebecca Saldaña

A state senator in Washington who said Latino leaders are urging this year's March 31 observance to focus on community service, survivors and the broader farmworker cause.

César Chávez

The labor leader whose name is being removed from tributes at El Centro de la Raza and other institutions across the country following allegations of sexual abuse.

Dolores Huerta

The fellow labor leader who was allegedly sexually abused by Chávez, according to the New York Times report.

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What they’re saying

“The farm worker movement is bigger than just one person. We've got a garden named after him, those things will change.”

— Estella Ortega, Executive Director, El Centro de la Raza

“My view is the movement's bigger than any one individual. The farm worker movement did so much for farm workers, for labor rights, for human dignity. It's bigger than any one person.”

— Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington

“At this moment, I think the Latino Democratic caucus will be saying, we need to pause. This March 31 this year should be about community service. It should be about making sure that the farm worker movement and the farm worker cause is what's centered.”

— Rebecca Saldaña, State Senator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.