Governor Greg Abbott announced on Mar. 18 that Texas will no longer observe Cesar Chavez Day as a state holiday, following allegations against Cesar Chavez. Abbott said he has directed all Texas state agency heads to comply with this decision and plans to work with lawmakers in the next legislative session to remove the holiday from state law.
The announcement comes after reports of sexual assault allegations against Chavez surfaced. The governor said these reports challenge the public perception of Chavez and question his status as a figure worthy of official recognition. “Reports 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,” Abbott said.
Abbott also stated, “The State of Texas will not observe the Cesar Chavez Day holiday. I am directing all Texas state agency heads to comply. In the upcoming legislative session, I will work with Texas lawmakers to remove Cesar Chavez Day from state law altogether.”
According to the official website, Abbott has led the Office of Texas Governor since his election in 2014 and has focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling, and southern border security. The office maintains its primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building and delivers services statewide across Texas according to its website.
Abbott’s administration has contributed to leading the nation in jobs growth and record employment levels according to its official site. He was also listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to the office.
The move signals a shift in how Texas recognizes historical figures amid changing public narratives.
