Tarrant County commissioners have voted to remove César Chávez Day from the holiday schedule, replacing it with Veterans Day. The decision comes after allegations of sexual abuse against Chávez, the late civil rights activist, were made public.
Background
Chávez was a prominent figure in the American farmworkers labor movement of the 1960s and ’70s. However, a recent investigation by the New York Times detailed allegations that he sexually abused girls and women throughout his advocacy.
County Judge Tim O’Hare stated that it would be inappropriate for Tarrant County to recognize César Chávez Day in light of these allegations. The county’s holiday schedule for the 2027 fiscal year includes 13 paid holidays, with Veterans Day being added to the list.
The removal of César Chávez Day from the holiday schedule is part of a larger trend in Texas, where cities and counties are reevaluating their recognition of Chávez’s legacy. In Fort Worth, city officials removed honorary street sign toppers recognizing Chávez, and the Fort Worth ISD renamed an elementary school that was previously named after him.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has also announced that the state will no longer observe César Chávez Day, and plans to work with lawmakers to remove any mention of the holiday from state law.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
