Trustees call for community conversation after allegations about Cesar Chavez are raised

At the start of the March 19 meeting, Vice President Lorena Chavez acknowledged recent survivor allegations involving Cesar Chavez and described the reports as “deeply disturbing,” urging accountability and care for those impacted.

"These are serious and painful, and we must approach them with accountability and care," Trustee Chavez said, noting the broader legacy of farmworker movements and urging respect for survivors. She framed the moment as painful for many in the community and called for both truth and continued recognition of a broader movement.

Trustee Manuel Herrera said the disclosures had a strong emotional effect and proposed that the district provide an opportunity for stakeholders to convene with board members and the superintendent for an initial community conversation. "We're gonna ask for the administration to assist in convening a meeting and letting community know so people can show up," Herrera said, adding that the superintendent would attend and that anything resulting from that dialogue that requires formal action would follow established channels.

Several trustees expressed support for creating space for community healing and discussion; others reminded the board that an item not agendized could only be a conversation and not a decision. The superintendent indicated administration would follow up on appropriate next steps.

The board did not take formal action on the matter at the meeting; trustees said they would work with administration to consider whether and how to bring a formal agenda item back to the board.