Chavez allegations prompt debate, reflection
Newly revealed allegations about the late civil rights and labor leader Cesar Chavez are prompting debate and reflection in Minnesota, where Chavez’s name is on streets and a school — and where his birthday is commemorated by state law.
A New York Times investigation this week alleged that Chavez sexually assaulted and abused women and girls while leading the national farm workers’ movement in the 1960s and 1970s.
Leaders at St. Paul’s Academia Cesar Chavez charter school called the report “profoundly concerning.”
“We recognize that this news may be painful and difficult for members of our community, particularly for those who hold a deep respect for Cesar Chavez’s legacy and contributions,” the school’s board of directors said in a statement. “At the same time, our school remains grounded in our core values of Identity, Solidarity, Intellect, and Justice. These values call on us to center the well-being, dignity, and safety of all people — especially children.”
Officials at the school, which was founded in 2000 and serves elementary and middle school students, said they “are taking time to fully understand the information that is emerging and will continue to follow developments closely.”
State leaders could face pressure to rescind the day celebrating Chavez. Minnesota’s Republican Party called for repeal of a state law commemorating Chavez each year on his birthday, March 31. DFL state Rep. Maria Isa Perez-Vega announced Thursday that she also plans to introduce legislation to eliminate the state’s Chavez Day commemoration.
Gov. Tim Walz told WCCO radio on Thursday that he plans to withhold an annual proclamation — but that he can’t make the law change independently. Instead, it would be up to state lawmakers.
“This certainly clouds that legacy, and we should reassess it,” Walz said of the allegations against Chavez. “I would hope they would do something on that, but we won’t be putting out anything. And I just want to make sure I stay in line with what the Legislature and statute says.”
Minnesota legislators face committee deadlines to pass policy bills next week.
Governors in other states that observe Chavez’s birthday have said they will not do so this year in light of the accusations.
Chavez’s name is also on a short avenue near downtown Minneapolis and on a major thoroughfare through St. Paul’s West Side.
Perez-Vega, who represents that part of St. Paul, said there will be conversations among community leaders about removing Chavez’s name from public spaces.
Amid the revelations about Chavez, Perez-Vega said she’s also inspired by United Farm Workers union co-founder Dolores Huerta, who released a statement Wednesday saying that she’s among the women and girls who were sexually assaulted or abused by Chavez.
“Our community is very hurt, but we are also very empowered by the strength of Dolores Huerta,” Perez-Vega said. “We are taking this time to find productive and positive solutions.”
