On Wednesday, the Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) board voted 6‑1 to rename Cesar Chavez Academy to “The Academy.” The decision was made during the regular board meeting in El Paso, Texas, and reflects the board’s effort to adopt a name that they say better represents the entire community.
Board discussion and dissent
Board member Shane Haggerty was the sole dissenting vote. Haggerty explained, “I understand why we are changing the name of our school, but renaming the campus to The Academy doesn’t honor anyone. My opinion, it erases the community. Our district serves numerous families who have deep Mexican‑American roots, and there is no shortage of people with that same heritage that are worth putting on our building.” He proposed three alternative honorees: Silvia Méndez, Pat Mora, and Lauro Cavazos.
Haggerty highlighted the historical significance of each suggestion. He noted that Méndez was a student at the center of Méndez v. Westminster (1947), a landmark case that ruled the forced segregation of Mexican‑American students unconstitutional. He described Mora as an El Paso‑born poet who started the Dia de los Libros program and has received numerous honorary doctorates. Finally, he mentioned Cavazos, who served as president of Texas Tech University and was the first Hispanic cabinet member, also holding the post of Secretary of Education.
Policy background
YISD’s original policy required that a school’s educational function or support activity be changed or redirected before a name could be altered. In April, the board voted 5‑1 to amend that policy, allowing name changes without a functional shift. Haggerty opposed that policy change, while Board Secretary Connie Woodruff was absent from the vote.
Board President Carlos Bustillos said he consulted with community members who supported the new name, stating, “We met with families who are on board for renaming the school ‘The Academy.’” The board’s rationale emphasizes a neutral name that can serve all students regardless of background.
Context of the name change
The discussion follows recent sexual‑abuse allegations that emerged in March concerning labor‑rights activist Cesar Chavez. While the allegations do not directly involve the school, they have prompted renewed scrutiny of the name.
Earlier this year, Las Cruces Public Schools in neighboring New Mexico voted to rename one of its elementary schools after Chavez; the school has since been renamed Desert Bloom Elementary School.
What’s next for the campus
With the board’s approval, the school will transition to the new name “The Academy” in the upcoming academic year. The district has not announced any changes to the school’s curriculum, staffing, or facilities as part of the renaming.
Community members who wish to provide further input can attend future board meetings or contact the YISD administration directly.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
