Valladares, GOP lawmakers introduce legislation to honor farmworkers in wake of Cesar Chávez allegations

In the wake of the allegations of sexual abuse by Cesar Chávez, co-founder of the United Farm Workers and an iconic civil rights leader, several Senate Republicans are amending legislation to include changing March 31 in California from recognizing Cesar Chávez Day to Farmworkers Day instead, state Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Acton, announced in a news release. 

“As the daughter and granddaughter of farmworkers, this is deeply personal. The legacy of farmworkers belongs to families like mine across California — not to any one individual. Renaming this day is about honoring the people who do the work, while being honest about our history,” Valladares, co-chair of the California Legislative Hispanic Caucus, said in the release. 

Valladares intends to amend Senate Bill 1281 to incorporate the official switch, the release said. She is also encouraging coauthors from both sides of the aisle on the legislation. 

“I am deeply saddened for the victims of Cesar Chávez who have had to carry this secret for decades while every year people celebrate, march and dedicate a holiday in his name,” Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, said in the release. “I hope that people reconsider celebrating Cesar Chávez Day and instead celebrate our incredible farm workers who feed and fuel our nation with Farmworkers Day.” 

California’s Legislature enshrined the late labor leader’s birthday, March 31, as a state holiday in 1995. 

On Wednesday, The New York Times published an investigation naming three women who accused Chávez of using his position of power to sexually assault them. One of those women was his partner in the labor movement, Dolores Huerta. Two were the daughters of union leaders. They told the Times they were abused as girls.  

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