Santa Ana College Removes César Chávez’s Name and Image from Campus

Santa Ana College Removes César Chávez’s Name Amid Allegations

Santa Ana College has removed any reference to César Chávez from its campus following serious allegations of sexual assault against the civil rights leader. The decision came to light on Thursday, coinciding with similar actions taken by other institutions.

Workers began the process by boarding up signage at the César Chávez Business and Computer Center, which has been a part of the college since its establishment in 1994. This move reflects the university’s commitment to addressing the recent troubling accusations regarding Chávez’s behavior toward girls and women.

The college president confirmed that the institution would not only cover over naming plaques and murals but would also eliminate photographs related to Chávez from the college’s website and social media platforms. Among those covered were three murals, including "Legacy of César Chávez," a notable work by artist Emigdio Vasques.

Helen Estrada, a student at Santa Ana College, expressed her reaction to the changes. "I heard they were covering up the names outside. I ran over there, took a moment of silence, just to acknowledge the women and the school’s decision to cover up his name and hopefully rename this building," she said.

School officials indicated that the murals would be covered to prevent vandalism while they deliberate on the future of the space. The college’s Board of Trustees is set to meet on Monday to discuss the next steps.

In a related note, the Santa Ana Unified School District is also addressing the implications of the allegations concerning César E. Chávez High School, with discussions ongoing about potential name changes.