DELANO, Calif. (KERO) — After allegations of sexual abuse against Cesar Chavez came out, discussions have started locally in Delano about renaming a school that’s named after him.
A decision has now been made to rename Cesar E. Chavez High School.
“Our school should represent integrity and respect and if that means changing the name of my school then I support it," said Cesar Chavez High School student Natalie Ramirez.
“Please keep the legacy of Cesar Chavez," said one Delano resident.
The special meeting took a little over an hour to conclude, hearing from alumni, parents, and current students, all with mixed opinions on the matter.
Among speakers was a representative from the Chavez family, with a statement on behalf of the family stating while they are saddened to hear of the news regarding their father, they are in agreement with whatever decision the district makes.
Talks about changing the name initially started last week, when Chavez High School students started an online petition.
Senior Jada Lynn Ramos says it was her friends who started the petition.
“There’s girls around the age attending or are going to attend that school and I feel that space needs to be reflective of students values and what women need," said Ramos.
After discussions were over, it was voted 3-2 to move forward with the renaming process, adopting a proposal made by board member Valerie Jasso Gorospe.
“I would like to make a motion to form a committee pursuant to board policy 73 10 on making and only consider the accepted list on the October 2000 addendum and maintain the titan mascot," said Gorospe.
Board members Art Armendariz, Lionel Reyna, and Valerie Jasso Gorospe voted yes, with Arnold Morrison and Glenda Muldrow voting no.
Speaking with board member Arnold Morrison, he says he voted no but not because he’s against the name change all together.
“I wanted more of an open field, because this is not 2002 this is 2026 and I’d like to have the students and community have a more open mind on what they would like to rename the school," said Morrison.
By using the list made over 20 years ago, the district will end up saving $100,000 in name changing costs.
With the creation of the committee being approved, district officials say a decision on the official name change will be revealed in May.
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