Planada schools leader seeks ‘thoughtful dialogue’ about Chavez allegations
Recent startling allegations against the late farmworker rights leader Cesar Chavez have put attention on the Central Valley’s institutions that bear his name, including one in Merced County.
Planada Elementary School District Superintendent José L. González said Thursday afternoon that while there are no immediate plans to change the name of Cesar E. Chavez Middle School, discussions have begun about what to do.
The district has planned a special board meeting for 7 p.m.
“No immediate decision has been made,” González said. “It’s going to take some thoughtful dialogue. All options are on the board.
“We want to recognize and pay respect to the victims as a result of the allegations.”
United Farm Workers, the union that Chavez co-founded, abruptly canceled events in honor of Chavez that were planned for the anniversary of his birth, March 31, after the New York Times reported on his sexual abuse of two minors in the 1970s and rape of his union co-founder, Dolores Huerta.
Planada Elementary School District also has canceled events scheduled to take place on March 31 to honor Chavez. Instead, the schools will celebrate a day to honor farmworkers on May 1.
In the meantime, González said he wants to give all staff, teachers and students a safe space to share their feelings during an emotional time.
“It’s been a trying 48 hours,” he said.
This story was originally published March 19, 2026 at 2:23 PM.
