Members of the Phoenix City Council have just voted to remove the name of Cesar Chavez from all public structures, as well as street and plaza signs.
A move to officially change the names of the Cesar Chavez Park and Cesar Chavez Library is expected to shortly follow.
The Phoenix action mirrors decisions that are being made across the country in the wake of reports that the legendary political activist and farm workers’ rights leader, who died in 1993, sexually abused a woman, who was part of his movement, as well as two girls.
In New Mexico, the Santa Fe School board has voted unanimously to remove Chavez’s name from an elementary school located at 6521 Jaguar Drive, renaming the facility White Tigers Elementary for the present.
In Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller last week said the Cesar Chavez Community Center at 7505 Kathryn Avenue SE will be renamed, as is also the case with the Avenida Cesar Chavez, which runs east to west through the city.
El Paso City Representative Lily Limon has called for removing Chavez’s name from all local highways, buildings, and landmarks, while Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has announced the renaming of the Cesar E. Chavez Park off 41st Avenue in honor of Dolores Huerta, one of the people Chavez has been accused of abusing.
There have been more than 30 streets named in honor of Chavez nationally, along with just over 60 schools, and nearly 20 parks.
A survey released last week by the polling site YouGov indicated that 51% of respondents said they were in favor of cities removing Chavez’s name from streets and buildings, with only 11% opposed, and 38% not sure.
March 31, 2026
By Garry Boulard
Stamp image courtesy of National Park Service
