SUMMARY
Just two weeks ago, cities across the country were finalizing plans for celebrations of César Chavez Day. Then an investigative report from The New York Times revealed allegations that Chavez sexually abused women and girls for years. Now, many cities are cancelling those plans, and a day that was once a celebration has become a painful reminder of his now tarnished legacy.
View the transcript of the story.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who was César Chavez?
- What did the New York Times investigative report reveal about Chavez?
- How are cities and communities across America responding to these allegations?
- When is César Chavez Day, and why has it been celebrated nationwide for many years?
- Where (in what states) have new laws been passed to rename César Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day, and which cities have officially voted to erase Chavez's name from county streets and buildings?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- In this News Hour segment, Geraldo Cadava, Northwestern professor of history and Latino studies states, "to replace one hero with another hero could also stunt the movement in some ways." Do you agree with his sentiments that political and civil rights movements should not center around a singular person? Why or why not?
- How do you think communities can continue to uplift the contributions of farmworkers and celebrate the history of activism by United Farm Workers (UFW)?
Media literacy: This News Hour segment includes the following infographic at the very end. Why do you think it's included? What role do government officials play in shaping our understanding and glorification of public figures?
Credit: PBS News Hour screenshot
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Complete the PBS News Hour Classroom lesson on Dolores Huerta, labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW).
Additionally, you can research what actions your state or city has taken in response to César Chavez's sexual abuse allegations.
- As an example, take a look at the California Assembly Bill No. 2516, which designates March 31 as Farmworkers Day and requires the Governor to annually proclaim March 31 as Farmworkers Day. Similarly, you can look at Arizona House Bill 2072, which repealed the state law recognizing March 31 as César Chavez Day. What similarities and differences do you notice between the two state bills? Do you think it is better to rename the holiday or repeal it entirely?
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