California Moves to Rename Cesar Chavez Day Before March 31 Holiday

Several other holidays and events were canceled after accusations of sexual assaults surfaced against the civil rights leader.
California Moves to Rename Cesar Chavez Day Before March 31 Holiday
A pedestrian walks below an image of Cesar Chavez on a mural in San Francisco on March 18, 2026. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
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California state lawmakers took steps on March 19 to remove Cesar Chavez’s name from a state holiday this year and replace it with “Farmworkers Day” after accusations against the civil rights icon of sexual assault involving children and women surfaced the day before.

The state became the latest to take action to change or cancel plans to celebrate Chavez as fallout over the accusations continued.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.