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Senator proposes repealing Cesar Chavez state holiday after recent reporting; committee lays bill over
Summary
Senator Pappas introduced SF 47-59 to repeal the state holiday commemorating Cesar Chavez, citing recent investigative reporting alleging sexual abuse; members described the repeal as a way to honor the movement without celebrating the individual and the bill was moved forward for further consideration.
Senator Pappas asked the committee to repeal the state holiday that recognizes Cesar Chavez, saying the recent New York Times investigation alleging Chavez sexually abused two underage girls and others prompted reconsideration: "The investigation was shocking, disturbing and necessary," he said, and argued the holiday no longer serves to honor Minnesota's Latino communities.
Members acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and several senators said the underlying movement should be honored without celebrating an individual whose conduct is newly the subject of credible allegations. One member suggested replacing the holiday with a broader commemoration like a Dolores Huerta Day or a United Farm Workers Day created through broad consultation. The committee laid the bill over and later recommended it to general orders for floor consideration.
