Allegations Against César Chávez Prompt Removal of Statues and Renaming of Holidays

Following an extensive investigation by The New York Times, multiple cities and educational institutions have begun removing or covering monuments dedicated to civil rights leader César Chávez. The report, published on March 18, 2026, alleges that Chávez engaged in decades of sexual abuse and grooming of girls and young women within the United Farm Workers movement.

Reporters conducted a five-year investigation involving interviews with more than 60 individuals, including top aides, relatives, and union insiders. The investigation also reviewed hundreds of union records, confidential emails, and audio recordings.

The report includes testimonies from Ana Murguia and Debra Rojas, who allege that Chávez began abusing them when they were 13 and 12 years old, respectively. They claim the abuse occurred in his office while they were volunteering for the movement.

Additionally, United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta alleged that Chávez assaulted her in 1966. Huerta stated she remained silent for decades to protect the integrity of the labor movement.

The public response has been immediate across the United States. At Fresno State University, officials placed a plywood box over a statue of Chávez before removing the monument entirely on March 20.

In Milwaukee, a memorial on Cesar Chavez Drive was covered in black plastic following the report's release. Similar actions were taken in San Fernando, California, where both a statue and a mural were removed from public view.

The United Farm Workers and the César Chávez Foundation released statements describing the allegations as shocking and incompatible with their core values. Several organizations have canceled upcoming celebrations planned for César Chávez Day on March 31.

California lawmakers have introduced proposals to rename the state holiday to Farmworkers Day in response to the findings. Local officials in the Southwest are also reviewing the names of streets, parks, and schools previously honoring the labor icon.

The fallout has extended to academic institutions like Sonoma State University and Santa Ana College, where portraits and murals have been obscured or taken down. The Chávez family stated they are honoring the voices of survivors while requesting privacy during this period.

Chávez, who died in 1993, was previously celebrated for leading nonviolent protests and boycotts to improve conditions for migrant workers. There are currently more than 130 locations across the United States named in his honor.