El Paso City Council to vote on renaming César Chávez holiday

The El Paso City Council is scheduled to vote on Tuesday, October 13, regarding two major administrative resolutions. One proposal seeks to officially rename the César Chávez holiday to ‘Farmworkers Appreciation Day.’ If approved, the holiday set for March 31, 2027, will shift its focus from the individual labor leader to the collective community of agricultural workers.

This decision follows a regional review of historical commemorations initiated in March 2026. The review was prompted by a New York Times investigation detailing allegations of sexual abuse involving Chávez. The move follows similar actions by El Paso County and various educational institutions to modify or suspend tributes to the activist.

Additionally, the Council will vote on a resolution to prohibit the city from entering into, renewing, or extending contracts with Flock Safety and similar surveillance technology providers. This measure aims to address concerns regarding public safety and citizen privacy.