California moves to rename Cesar Chavez Day amid abuse allegations
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The California State Legislature is taking steps to change the name of Cesar Chavez Day after a controversial report revealed sexual misconduct allegations against the labor union activist.
Speaker of the House Robert Rivas assembly floor on Thursday to commemorate the “disturbing” and “painful” stories told by women in Wednesday’s New York Times article.
“As someone who grew up in the farmers movement, as the son and grandson of the farmworkers who raised my brother and me, as a father and as a Latino, I am shocked, angry, and deeply, deeply disappointed,” Rivas said.
The New York Times published a report detailing sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez before his death. (Frank Hurley/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
In solidarity with labor unions, Rivas announced that he was working with pro-Senate President Tempore Monique Limón to introduce legislation to rename Cesar Chavez Day as Agricultural Workers Day.
“This moment requires honesty, it requires reflection, and it requires a renewed commitment to the values on which the farmers movement was built,” Rivas said. “This morning and today we stand with the survivors and must rededicate ourselves to justice, dignity and the people who built the farmers movement.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the California State Legislature for further comment.
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Cesar Chavez Day has been a public holiday in California since 2000 to commemorate Chavez’s birthday, March 31. It’s not yet clear whether the legislature will be able to pass legislation to change the name of the holiday before the end of the month.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has approved efforts to rename places and holidays named after Cesar Chavez. (Getty Images; Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., who supported the legislation in response to the New York Times report, encouraged Rivas’ proposal.
Newsom wrote on
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also announced during a press conference On Thursday, he said he signed a proclamation recognizing Cesar Chavez Day as Farmer Day in his city.
“On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, I am proud to introduce and sign a proclamation today renaming the last Monday in March as Farmworkers Day,” Bass said. “I also want to share that I have been in contact with the Chavez family and that they support our decision to rename this holiday. This March 30th and every last Monday in March will provide Angelenos with an opportunity to reflect on how the struggle of farmworkers lifts up working people everywhere.”
Numerous Democratic politicians have spoken out in support of Chavez’s alleged victims. (Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)
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Many Democratic politicians in California have issued statements attempting to distance themselves from Chavez, despite the party’s long-standing support for the labor union activist.
