Gov. Katie Hobbs to decide fate of Cesar Chavez Day as repeal reaches her desk

PHOENIX — Gov. Katie Hobbs will soon decide whether Arizona keeps Cesar Chavez Day as an official state holiday.

House Bill 2072, which is now on her desk, would repeal the Legislature’s 2000 decision to observe Cesar Chavez Day as a non-legal holiday each year on March 31. The date falls on his birthday.

Hobbs is expected to approve the bill, especially after she canceled this year’s planned celebration on Tuesday.

Why do Arizona lawmakers want to drop Cesar Chavez Day?

Lawmakers moved quickly on HB 2072 following a March 18 New York Times investigation that detailed previously unreported allegations of sexual abuse involving Chavez.

The report prompted a national reassessment of his legacy, and House Speaker Steve Montenegro said Arizona law shouldn’t honor a man tied to such crimes.

“The House acted today because victims deserve better, the truth cannot be ignored, and state honors carry meaning,” Montenegro said in a Monday press release. “The Senate took the same step last week with strong bipartisan support.”

Arizona isn’t alone in its efforts to distance itself from Chavez following the allegations. Elected leaders and civil rights groups are taking action from California to Minnesota.

Leaders ending celebration of Cesar Chavez Day across metro Phoenix

However, Valley leaders have been especially busy. Last week, the Phoenix City Council voted unanimously to strip Chavez’s name from streets and parks. It also dropped the citywide holiday in his honor.

Additionally, Phoenix Union High School District has voted to change the name of Cesar Chavez High School.

Over in the East Valley, the Tempe City Council has announced that it plans to rename Cesar Chavez Day, which is a paid holiday for government employees.

“Once these reports came to light, there was no excuse for leaving this honor in Arizona law,” Arizona state Rep. Lisa Fink said in the release.

She sponsored the legislation to strip Cesar Chavez Day of its status as a state holiday.

“The women and children Chavez harmed should not have to watch the state continue honoring his name,” Fink added. “Repealing this law is the proper response. It respects the victims he left behind and removes a state honor that should not remain in place.”

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