HISD announces name change for Cesar Chavez holiday amid allegations of sexual assault

Thursday, March 19, 2026
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston ISD has announced it will no longer recognize "Cesar Chavez Day."

Cesar Chavez, the late farmworker organizer who became a national civil rights icon and co-founded the United Farm Workers in 1962, is accused of abusing "young women or minors," the union said in a statement on Tuesday.

At Thursday night's board meeting, the district said students and staff would still get the day off, as planned on March 30th.

HISD said that the holiday will now be referred to as "Farmworkers Day."

SEE ALSO: Houston's Cesar Chavez march canceled as allegations of sexual assault surface, organizers confirm

Copyright © 2026 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.