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Senate renames March 31 holiday to 'Farm Worker Day' amid testimony about Cesar Chavez allegations
Summary
The Senate passed House Bill 1339 to change the voluntary holiday name from Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Worker Day, citing recent revelations about sexual abuse by Chavez and emphasizing continued recognition of farm workers and the movement’s legacy.
The Colorado Senate on March 30 passed House Bill 1339, changing the name of the voluntary legal holiday observed March 31 from “Cesar Chavez Day” to “Farm Worker Day.” Senator Cutter moved the bill to third reading and final passage; the measure passed by voice vote with 35 yes, 0 no.
Sponsor Senator Danielson urged the change after media reports about Cesar Chavez’s sexual abuse of women and girls, noting survivors including Dolores Huerta. “We see you, we believe you, and we support you,” Danielson said, arguing the state could not continue to celebrate an individual alleged to have caused harm while still honoring the cultural importance of farm workers.
Senator Benavidez used his floor time to correct an earlier factual statement about unionized farms in Colorado and recounted a short history of United Farm Workers organizing in the state. Supporters said the bill preserves honor for the farm worker movement and its participants while offering solidarity to survivors.
With no further debate, the Senate recorded the passage (35 yes, 0 no). The bill’s text amends the statutory name of the voluntary holiday; sponsors listed in the clerk’s reading included Representatives Duran and Garcia and Senators Danielson and Cutter. The Senate immediately added co-sponsors on the record following the vote.
The bill’s adoption represents a symbolic renaming; no additional implementation steps were recorded on the floor. The Senate added the recorded roll as co-sponsors before moving on to subsequent business.
