# Michigan Communities Weigh Renaming Streets and Schools Named After Labor Leader

GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN - Cities across Michigan are beginning to discuss renaming streets and schools named after César Chávez following an explosive New York Times investigation alleging the late labor leader sexually abused girls.

Discussions have already started in Lansing, Pontiac, Flint, and Grand Rapids, though officials acknowledge the process could take months or years and may negatively impact businesses that advertise with their existing addresses.

The New York Times Investigation

The March 18, 2026 report in The New York Times named two women who alleged Chávez began abusing them in the 1970s, starting when they were as young as 12. Accounts from top aides and relatives also alleged a pattern of sexual misconduct.

Delores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers with Chávez, also alleged he sexually assaulted her.

The California-based labor organization canceled all César Chávez Day activities in March, citing the disturbing allegations against him.

Lansing Leads the Way

In Michigan's capital city, a spokesperson confirmed this week that Lansing has started discussions about renaming César E. Chávez Avenue in the Old Town neighborhood, in coordination with City Council Vice President Trini Pehlivanoglu.

César E. Chávez Plaza sits next to César E Chávez Avenue in Lansing.

Pehlivanoglu, who said she had contacted the neighborhood business association and others, drafted a resolution to rename the street and appeared before the Committee on City Operations to discuss it March 24.

To rename a street in Lansing, a recommendation must be approved by the city's Board of Public Service before it reaches City Council for final approval. Typically, residents and businesses are invited to voice any concerns.

Mayor Andy Schor fully supports that plan and will work with Council and members of the community, including the Old Town Commercial Association, on any proposed changes, said spokesperson Scott Bean.

Lansing also canceled its Legacy of César Chávez Dinner last month.

Nearby in East Lansing, Michigan State University renamed its 16th annual César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Celebration to the Farmworker Appreciation Commemorative Celebration.

Grand Rapids Weighs Its Response

Grand Rapids is also weighing its response to the allegations and whether it should rename César E. Chávez Elementary School and other local honors tied to the labor organizer.

In a March 18 letter to parents, Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Leadriane Roby acknowledged the seriousness of the reports about Chávez and said the district's thoughts are with anyone who is impacted.

Since his death in 1993, many organizations across the country have honored the labor organizer by naming buildings, streets and schools after him, she wrote. In 2008, GRPS took that same step by naming one of our schools César E. Chávez Elementary School.

As we continue to learn more, we will evaluate next steps in alignment with our district's values, Roby said in her letter. We will provide updates as appropriate.

Grand Rapids also renamed Grandville Avenue to César E. Chávez Avenue in 2022, which community members have begun to question.

Community members have inquired about the renaming process, but at this time, there is no formal request before the city, a spokesperson told Bridge Michigan. Streets can only be renamed in extraordinary circumstances in Grand Rapids, and any proposals to change them must go through several agencies before a recommendation to the City Commission to adopt a new name.

Regional Responses

The cities of Pontiac and Flint are also considering their options.

In Pontiac, City Council member Mikal Goodman has said he's drafting a resolution to begin the renaming process for César E. Chávez Avenue, which could take a year or longer. Goodman, who did not respond to requests for comment from Bridge Michigan, told WXYZ-TV that he's interested in renaming the street after Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the farm labor group with Chávez.

Flint Council member Judy Priestley told Bridge Michigan she has received calls from residents about renaming the city's Chavez Drive but said officials have not had any formal conversations about the matter.

National Impact

Around the country, events have been canceled, including marches honoring Chávez in Texas and Arizona. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill to rename César Chávez Day as Farmworkers Day, effective immediately. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a similar bill, which repealed César Chávez Day altogether.

A related story in The New York Times noted that the membership and influence of United Farm Workers have plummeted since the 1970s, when the union boasted 60,000 members and had contracts with 150 growers. Those figures have dwindled to 5,500 members and 30 contracts.

The Leona Group Statement

In Detroit, the K-12 management group that operates the César Chávez Academy charter school said in a statement to Bridge Michigan that it is monitoring the impact of this deeply disturbing situation and will respond accordingly to protect the sanctity of what we do and who we serve.

The Leona Group regards all allegations involving harm or abuse, especially towards children, with the utmost seriousness and focus, the statement said. We consider the recently alleged acts of a prominent historical figure to be horrific and unimaginable. Our school district, César Chávez Academy, is not defined by any one individual, but by the values we live out each day.

What's Next

The Lansing City Commission will need to vote on any street name change after the Board of Public Service approves the recommendation from the public. Community outreach is typically part of the process, with residents and businesses on the affected street invited to voice concerns.

Similar processes would need to unfold in Grand Rapids, Pontiac, and Flint if those communities decide to proceed with renaming.

The conversation highlights a growing national reckoning with how communities honor historical figures, even as new information comes to light decades after those honors were bestowed.