On March 18, The New York Times published a year-long investigative report, alleging civil rights activist and labor leader César Chavez sexually assaulted multiple girls and women, including fellow activist and co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association, Dolores Huerta.
Chavez’s name is found all around the world. It’s in the names of schools, murals, and other public monuments and is especially prominent in the Bay Area because of Chavez’s close ties to the area. Chavez once lived in East San Jose with his parents, and the farmworkers’ movement took place in California. In the wake of the New York Times investigation, community organizations are planning to remove his name from public spaces.
César Chavez Ravenswood Middle School, East Palo Alto
The naming of César Chavez Ravenswood Middle School located in East Palo Alto was decided in 2009 after the merger of César Chavez Academy and Ravenswood Middle School. Parents had encouraged that Chavez’s legacy and leadership be represented in the school’s new name, as he was a source of pride for the community.
The Ravenswood City School District recently stated they plan on changing the name of César Chavez Ravenswood Middle School. In a press release, Superintendent Gina Sudaria encouraged educators to shift the focus of the farmworkers’ movement to the contributions from various people rather than a single man. Webster Lincoln, East Palo Alto’s mayor, mentioned the idea of replacing César Chavez’s name with the former president Barack Obama, a significant historical figure with a commitment to equality and justice.
César Chavez Street, San Francisco
César Chavez Street is just over three miles long and resides in the southern part of San Francisco, connecting the Mission District and Bayview neighborhoods. The street was formally named Army Street and changed to honor Chavez on his birthday in 1995, two years after his passing.
The city of San Francisco has yet to take any concrete action to change the street’s name, for the process would entail the removal of over 100 combined street signs and sidewalk etchings.
“My office will support community efforts to remove César Chavez’s name from any District 9 institutions,” San Francisco Board Supervisor Jackie Fielder wrote in a statement, suggesting action will occur sooner rather than later. Fielder represents the Mission, meaning she is the elected official for the neighborhood—including both the street and elementary school named after Chavez.
Plaza de César Chavez, San Jose
Located in the heart of downtown San Jose and surrounded by other historical sites and landmarks is the Plaza de César Chavez. The plaza is Northern California’s oldest public space, dating back to 1797. It was renamed to honor the activist in 1993.
Days after the sexual assault allegations came out, the lettering on the stage’s steps that read “PLAZA DE CÉSAR CHAVEZ” were covered by San Jose City crews but rewritten by a unknown person in purple writing. The city council mentioned renaming the plaza to still honor the farmworkers’ movement but remove César Chavez as the representative.
On Wednesday, March 25, the Open Government Committee and the San Jose City Council’s Rules voted to continue with a two-step process. First the City will distinguish all public art and infrastructures with Chavez’s name or correspondence including the Plaza. Next, the city will finish establishing a way to collect community input and achieve the goal of shifting the focus to the survivors of the movement and possibly women’s contributions that were previously overlooked.
César Chavez Elementary School
César Chavez Elementary School, located in the Mission District of San Francisco, was previously known as Hawthorne Middle School before it underwent serious renovations in the 1990s. The campus is hard to miss with its vibrant colors and large portrayal of Chavez.
The school is still considering its next steps and hasn’t publicly made any decisions to rename.
César E. Chávez Library, San Jose
César E. Chávez Library is located on the San Jose City College campus and is open to both SJCC students and the public. The library opened in 2003 and features a large mural of Chavez and other symbols from the farmworkers’ movement on the side of the building. The school has started the process of renaming the library to “San Jose City College Library” since the recent news of his actions has surfaced.
Latin Rock Music House
Richard Segovia is the owner and resident of the Latin Rock Music House on the corner of 25th and York Street in San Francisco. It features Chavez in one of its many portraits. The house has hosted renowned performers and its walls celebrate many Latino idols.
Before the events, César Chavez was painted by artist Carlos “Kookie” Gonzalez and greeted pedestrians walking by the front of the building. On Wednesday morning, Segovia contacted Gonzalez to have the mural painted over. “I did this to let everyone know. Let’s get the ball rolling. Let’s start right here and get this done,” Richard Segovia said in an interview with ABC7 News.
Segovia mentioned that he wanted to remove Chavez from the mural as quickly as possible as a message to the community to begin the process towards change. Gonzalez affirmed Segovia’s message and beliefs by saying that his actions are intolerable and a betrayal that is in no way excusable.
