Governor Greg Abbott Says Texas Will Not Observe Cesar Chavez Day

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the State of Texas will no longer observe Cesar Chavez Day. That day is recognized on March 31 in Texas and for some state employees, it's an optional day off.

The Governor also signaled plans to do away with the state holiday all together during the upcoming Texas Legislative Session.

The announcement from Texas Governor Greg Abbott comes after a report in the New York Times detailed allegations that Cesar Chavez sexually assaulted at least 2 women according to WFAA.

According to the investigation, at least two women alleged they were sexually assaulted by Chavez when they were minors. In a statement released Wednesday, labor leader Dolores Huerta said she remained silent for decades out of concern that speaking out could harm the farmworker movement. She described two encounters with Chavez, one where she was “manipulated and pressured” and another where she was “forced against my will.”

The New York Times reported they had evidence backing up the claims.

READ MORE: Will Texas Cities, Including Lubbock, Change the Name of Streets Named after Cesar Chavez?

Other organizations in Texas and other states have also moved to distance themselves from Cesar Chavez.