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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In the wake of the horrific allegations of sexual abuse against 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.
"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,” said Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita), co-chair of the California Legislative Hispanic Caucus.
Sen. Valladares intends to amend SB 1281 to incorporate the official switch. 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," said Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield). "I hope that people reconsider celebrating Cesar Chavez 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.