Sexual Abuse and Historical Figures

After a New York Times investigation alleging that César Chávez sexually abused women and girls — including accounts of rape and abuse of minors — state and local officials, universities and cultural institutions moved quickly to pull honors: governors in Arizona and Texas declined to observe César Chávez Day, California lawmakers are pursuing renaming it “Farmworkers Day,” cities canceled or rebranded events, and colleges have removed, covered or begun formal reviews of statues and building names. The United Farm Workers and the César Chávez Foundation canceled celebrations and said they will create confidential channels for survivors, while Chávez’s family and some associates dispute the reports and leaders stress separating the broader farmworker movement from the alleged misconduct.