Last week, Central Valley civil rights activist Cesar Chavez was accused of sexual abuse after his death in 1993.
These allegations brought shock to many Californians, who are now pushing for the erasure of his name. The state’s lawmakers claim that they will rename Cesar Chavez Day on March 31st, which was formerly an observed state holiday, to “Farmworkers Day”.
All California State Universities (CSUs) take a day off on the 31st in recognition of Chavez and his efforts for labor rights. But with the recent allegations, it raises a question among Stan State students and faculty: What does the school think about these allegations, and will we still take off the day to honor him?
Dr. Rosalee Billingslea Rush (Vice President for the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at Stan State) said that the CSU is aware and deeply troubled by the allegations.
“This moment calls for reflection grounded in our values. At Stan State, we are unwavering in our commitment to fostering an environment rooted in respect, integrity, and the safety and dignity of every member of our Warrior community,” Rush said.
She said that the CSU is reviewing information to consider the appropriate course of action as of now.
“We will continue to center our actions in truth, care and accountability, ensuring that our campus remains a place where all feel seen, valued and supported,” she said.
California Faculty Association (CFA) sent out a statement to all faculty regarding their solidarity with the victims of Cesar Chavez’s “sexual abuse, assault and rape stories.” They expressed their devastation at hearing about these allegations.
“We wish peace and healing to the survivors and commend their courage to come forward and empower others to tell their truth. We remain committed to dismantling sexism, gender-based violence, and patriarchy that exist in organizing spaces and continue advocating for survivors in workplaces,” CFA said.
The association said that safety from any violence or harassment in the workplace is as equally important as winning competitive wages and benefits.
“As a labor union, we must fight sexual and gender-based violence and complicity,” CFA said. “There is no place for violence against women and gender non-binary folks in the fight for justice.”
Chavez contributed heavily to the farmworkers movement, helping many people in his generations, which is why these allegations are impactful for people who supported or worked alongside him.
Chavez heavily contributed to the farmworkers movement, helping many people in his generation, which makes these allegations even more impactful for people who supported him.
CFA continued to explain that it will take all of us to create a safer world for future generations, starting with renaming namesakes after Cesar Chavez.
“Changing street signs and other namesakes will only be the first step in our movements to create co-liberation for all. No movement is one person,” CFA said. “It will take all of us to stay united and create a safer world for the generations that will come after us.”
In the past week, parks and schools named after Cesar Chavez have been holding meetings within the community to be renamed. The Modesto Culture Commission held a meeting on Monday, March 23rd, discussing the renaming of Cesar Chavez Park. The commission is taking steps to make sure the community has access to proposing names, ensuring that voices are heard.
“I’m holding a meeting at my home for the community to generate ideas. I believe the park needs to have a name that is a connection to the Latino community,” said Nancy Martinez.
The Culture Commission will be hosting a name submission meeting for the community to attend at the McHenry Museum on April 1st at 3:45 pm.
Contributors to this article: Katherine Zagone.
