March 27, 2026 (New York time) — California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law legislation renaming Cesar Chavez Day to “Farmworkers Day,” following allegations of misconduct by the late union leader Cesar Chavez. The bill passed with unanimous consent in both the state Senate and Assembly before being signed. The regulation takes effect immediately. California had officially recognized March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day since 2000, seven years after his death at age 66, before the wave of removing the leader's legacy broke out in many parts of the state. The renaming decision follows reports by two women to The New York Times claiming they were abused by Chavez as children in the 1970s, recalling other shocking abuse cases in California that have been exposed. Additionally, his longtime associate Dolores Huerta also raised allegations that Chavez had coerced sexual relations in the past, leading many places to remove educational content about the Cesar Chavez scandal. The Chavez family said they were heartbroken by the allegations and expressed support for those who came forward. In a statement, the family wrote: “We hope the victims find peace and healing, and we acknowledge the courage it took for them to speak out.” Governor Newsom has not yet issued an official statement regarding the law.

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