Texas Schools Rethink Cesar Chavez Celebrations Amid Sex Abuse Allegations

A change to the curriculum in Texas schools involving a deceased labor leader.

Texas Education Agency Directs Schools to Remove Cesar Chavez from Lessons and Events

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has formally instructed school districts across the state to cancel or fundamentally alter any events, lessons, or materials honoring Cesar Chavez. The directive follows a New York Times investigative piece that detailed sexual abuse allegations against the late labor leader, which reportedly involved 12 and 13 year old girls.

Sexual Abuse Allegations

The nationwide re-evaluation of Chavez’s legacy stems from reports by two women, Ana Murguia and Debra Rojas, who say Chavez abused them when they were 12 and 13 years old in the 1970s. These accounts gained further weight when United Farm Workers (UFW) co-founder Dolores Huerta also came forward with her own story of abuse.

Read More: Cesar Chavez Allegations Spark Outrage Across Texas Communities 

A Direct Order for Curriculum Changes

In a letter sent to school officials, the TEA advised that districts should “eliminate, modify or otherwise alter” any classroom activities or instructional materials that reference Chavez. This guidance follows a directive from Governor Greg Abbott urging schools to cease Chavez celebrations. The move also impacts Cesar Chavez Day, an optional state holiday recognized on March 31.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Test

State officials clarified that teachers will not face penalties for skipping mandated lessons about Chavez that are currently part of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The State Board of Education is already working to revise these requirements. Districts seeking guidance on how to navigate the changes are encouraged to contact the TEA or their regional education service centers.

Regional Response and Redesignation

Local districts are already taking action to distance themselves from Chavez. The Houston Independent School District (HISD) recently announced it would redesignate its student and staff holiday, formerly honoring Chavez, as Farmworkers Day. San Antonio schools removed the Good Friday holiday and replaced it with the Chavez holiday. Residents are waiting to see if the Good Friday holiday returns.