Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says the state will no longer observe C茅sar Ch谩vez Day, citing against the late labor leader.
In on Wednesday, Abbott said he has directed state agency heads to stop observing the March 31 holiday, which honors the civil rights leader鈥檚 role in organizing farmworkers and advocating for labor protections.
The holiday is recognized as a federal commemorative holiday and is observed in several states, including Texas. Abbott said he plans to work with lawmakers to remove it from state law 鈥渁ltogether鈥� during the Texas Legislature鈥檚 next session in 2027.
鈥淩eports of the horrific and widely acknowledged sexual assault allegations against Cesar Chavez rightfully dismantle the myth of this progressive hero and undermine the narrative that elevated Chavez as a figure worthy of official state celebration,鈥� Abbott said Wednesday.
The move follows recent reporting by that outlined years of alleged sexual harassment and abuse tied to Ch谩vez, including allegations involving two minors.
The allegations have already sparked backlash across Texas, with organizers canceling C茅sar Ch谩vez Day events in cities like , and . Some advocates and officials have also raised the possibility of across the state that bear his name.
