Communities across the United States are moving swiftly to rebrand events and rename locations honoring César Chavez following recent allegations that the civil rights leader sexually abused women and girls during the 1960s farmworkers' movement.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation Thursday to rename César Chavez Day as Farmworkers Day, while Minnesota lawmakers voted this week to end the César Chavez holiday in their state. Colorado lawmakers are considering similar legislation to rename their voluntary state holiday to Farm Workers Day.

Local celebrations scheduled around Chavez's March 31 birthday have been rebranded across multiple states. Tucson, Arizona held a community and labor fair instead of its traditional celebration, while Grand Junction, Colorado renamed its event the Sí, Se Puede Celebration. El Paso, Texas will mark Tuesday as Community and Labor Heritage Day. Efforts are also underway to rename dozens of schools, streets, and other locations named for Chavez, including consideration of changes to the national monument in Keene, California.

The New York Times recently reported finding evidence that Chavez groomed and sexually abused young girls who worked in the movement. Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the farmworkers' movement, also revealed she was a victim of abuse in her 30s.

Organizers and community leaders describe feelings of disappointment and betrayal as they navigate the path forward. Jose Luis Chavez, founder of a Colorado celebration committee, said his group felt "a lot of hurt and a lot of anger" but chose to continue their event under a new name rather than cancel it entirely.

Many groups emphasize that the broader labor rights movement extends beyond any single individual. The Arizona César E. Chávez + Dolores Huerta Holiday Coalition stated in social media posts that "this movement is bigger than a name or one person" and encouraged supporters to continue organizing for workers' rights.