California Reconsiders Cesar Chavez Legacy as Monuments Fall

Statues of Cesar Chavez are coming down, streets bearing his name are being renamed, and murals bearing his likeness are being covered across California as officials distance public spaces from his legacy amid renewed scrutiny sparked by sexual-misconduct allegations reported by The New York Times. In Fresno, Chavez’s name was removed from a major boulevard; in San Fernando a statue was removed; at Santa Ana College murals with Chavez’s image were covered. Reactions are mixed, with supporters arguing history is being erased and opponents saying honors should reflect accountability; officials say more institutions are likely to follow as they review monuments, murals and street signs. Chavez, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, died in 1993; allegations concern alleged abuse of girls in the late 1970s.