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A proposal repealing a law celebrating the late labor movement leader César Chavez awaits the governor’s signature after the Minnesota Senate unanimously approved it on Thursday.

The move comes after the New York Times published a lengthy investigative story last week that included on-the-record accusations of rape and child sexual abuse by women who worked around Chavez in the farm worker rights movement. Chavez died in 1993.

In Minnesota, as in other states, Chavez’s birthday, March 31, is honored in statute. Many governors in other states have opted to strike those celebrations in light of the reports of abuse. Gov. Tim Walz has said he would not issue a proclamation honoring Chavez this year and urged lawmakers to take formal action to undo the law.

Minnesota lawmakers and community leaders sought swift action to change the law. Minnesota’s House passed the bill unanimously on Monday.

Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul, sponsored the bill to create the memorial day along with former Sen. Patricia Torres Ray in 2014. On Thursday, it was her bill to strike it from the books.  

“While the women will survive, whether they choose to share their stories or not, whether it takes days or decades to honor and support every survivor,” Pappas said. “Out of respect and admiration for the survivors who came forward, and for every activist who has felt pressure to keep their abuse and secrets for the sake of their movement, we must repeal Minnesota’s César Chavez Day holiday while we reconsider his legacy.”

Republican Sen. Michael Holmstrom, Jr. said the repeal was overdue for another reason.

“César Chavez is part of a long list of communist titles to prove that this ideology is nothing more than the worship of self,” he said.

Efforts are also underway in St. Paul to rename a road and a school named after Chavez. Mayor Kaohly Vang Her said those could take longer as city officials are aiming to draw community feedback on which name should replace Chavez in those spaces.

If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation with a partner, there is a 24-hour statewide domestic and sexual violence hotline. You can call

 confidential, bilingual crisis line at 651-772-1611.

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Both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature approved a bill repealing a law celebrating the late labor leader’s birthday following reporting that he sexually abused women and girls.

A mural is seen on the side wall of El Burrito Mercado

Bill ending honor for César Chavez in Minnesota bound for governor’s desk

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