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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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Multiple cities and organizations across the United States have canceled or altered events honoring labor leader Cesar Chavez following the emergence of sexual misconduct allegations against him.
The United Farm Workers union (UFW) and the Cesar Chavez Foundation announced on March 17 that they would withdraw from all Cesar Chavez Day celebrations scheduled for March 31.
Newsweek contacted the foundation and the UFW for comment by email outside regular business hours.
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Why It Matters
The “disturbing allegations”, which have not been detailed publicly, involve inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors during Chavez’s tenure as president of the UFW, according to a statement from the Cesar Chavez Foundation published Tuesday.
And the UFW said the allegations, which surfaced more than three decades after Chavez died in 1993, were “shocking, indefensible, and something we are taking seriously” in a separate statement released on the same day.
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The Context
Chavez gained national attention in the 1960s for his work organizing farmworkers in California. He led nonviolent campaigns, including a hunger strike and a grape boycott, which pressured growers to negotiate labor contracts that improved wages and working conditions.
In 1962, he co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with Dolores Huerta; the group later became the United Farm Workers of America.
Since his death, numerous streets, schools, and public spaces have been named in his honor.
March 31, his birthday, is marked annually with commemorative events. California designated the date as a state holiday in 2000, and in 2014, President Barack Obama proclaimed it as national Cesar Chavez Day.
Nationwide Cancellations and Renamed Events
The UFW stated it would not participate in any Cesar Chavez Day activities this year, citing “how serious the allegations are.”
The Cesar Chavez Foundation echoed the sentiment, saying it was working to support those affected.
In response to the allegations, cities and organizations across at least four states—Texas, Arizona, California, and Michigan—have canceled or rebranded events.
Texas
- The 29th annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice in San Antonio, scheduled for March 28, was canceled on March 6. The Cesar E. Chavez Legacy & Educational Foundation confirmed the decision on its website.
- Corpus Christi canceled its 25th annual Cesar Chavez March and Festivities, also scheduled for March 28, citing “sensitive matters” and guidance from the national foundation.
- Houston and Laredo canceled their events, according to CBS News Texas and Texas Public Radio.
- Fort Worth’s “NO KINGS. NO ICE.” event, organized by the Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta Committee of Tarrant County, is still scheduled to proceed, according to city officials.
Arizona
- Governor Katie Hobbs announced that Arizona would not recognize Cesar Chavez Day this year, citing “troubling allegations”. A spokesperson added that as a “social worker who worked with homeless youth and victims of domestic violence, Governor Hobbs takes allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior against women and minors very seriously. The Governor’s Office has decided to not recognize Cesar Chavez Day this year. Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected.”
- Tucson’s annual Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta March and Rally was renamed the Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair. Organizers canceled the march and car show originally planned for the weekend of March 21.
- The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council postponed its annual Cesar Chavez Community Breakfast, originally scheduled for March 20.
- The city of El Mirage renamed its April 4 Cesar Chavez Day of Service to the “Inaugural El Mirage Day of Service,” removing Chavez’s name from the event.
California
- Fresno’s Latino Education Issues Roundtable canceled its Legacy Celebration on March 18. Fresno Unified School District, a key partner, withdrew from the event, citing the allegations.
- The Binational of Central California canceled its annual Cesar Chavez Memorial Breakfast in Fresno.
- San Francisco canceled its annual Cesar Chavez Day celebration, according to a report by SFist. The article cited the United Farm Workers union’s decision to withdraw from all commemorative events following the emergence of abuse allegations against Chavez.
- Sacramento’s 24th Annual Cesar Chavez March, scheduled for March 28, will proceed. Organizer Francisco Garcia said the event “never romanticized the idea of Chavez” and focuses on current struggles of farmworkers.
- Modesto’s Sí Se Puede Luncheon on March 30 will also continue. Organizer Maggie Mejia said the event is “because of the farmworkers,” not Chavez personally.
Michigan
- The city of Lansing canceled its Legacy of Cesar Chavez Dinner, originally scheduled for March 25, according to an Instagram post. It said: “All ticket purchasers and sponsors will be contacted directly regarding reimbursement.”
Events Under Review or Facing Public Pressure
While many events have been formally canceled, others remain under review or are facing mounting public scrutiny in light of the allegations against Cesar Chavez.
Educational Institutions
Several school districts and universities in California, Texas, and Arizona are reassessing their planned Cesar Chavez Day observances.
Fresno State University stated it is “closely monitoring developments” regarding its on-campus statue of Chavez located in the Peace Garden.
Stanislaus State University and Modesto Junior College will remain closed on March 31 in observance of the holiday, though no changes to their commemorative plans have been announced.
State and Municipal Holidays
Cesar Chavez Day remains a state holiday in California, where it was established in 2000.
However, numerous city-level events have been canceled or rebranded in response to the allegations.
In Texas, while the holiday is observed in several municipalities, most major city events have been canceled, including in Houston, San Antonio, and Laredo.
Arizona Governor Hobbs announced that the state would not recognize Cesar Chavez Day in 2026, citing “troubling allegations” and expressing support for survivors.
Other states that observe the holiday—including Colorado, Minnesota, Utah, and Washington—have not reported widespread cancellations as of Wednesday.
Street Names, Parks, and Monuments
Cities across the country with streets, schools, and public spaces named after Cesar Chavez are beginning to face questions about whether those honors should remain.
As of March 18, 2026, no formal proposals to rename such landmarks have been publicly announced.
Organizational Responses
The UFW and the Cesar Chavez Foundation have pledged to establish confidential, trauma-informed channels for individuals to report experiences related to the allegations.
“We need some time to get this right,” the UFW said in a statement, adding that it had not received direct reports but was taking the claims seriously.
The foundation stated it was working with leaders in the farmworker movement to support those who may have been harmed and to uphold its commitment to justice.
“We ask for our community’s patience as we learn more,” it said in a statement. “Throughout this process, our organization and our partners in the movement will continue our work together to protect and uplift the families and communities that we serve.”
What Happens Next
The New York Times is reportedly preparing to publish a detailed investigation into the allegations in April, according to multiple local organizers in Texas and Arizona.
Until then, many communities are reevaluating how to commemorate Chavez’s legacy.
The UFW has urged supporters to participate in immigration justice events and acts of service in lieu of traditional celebrations.
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