Michigan school, streets might change names after New York Times report on Cesar E. Chavez

The names of some Michigan streets and a school might change after a recent New York Times story alleged that Cesar E. Chavez abused young girls.

Five streets and a school in Michigan are named after the American labor union and political activist who co-founded United Farm Workers in 1962. Chavez died in 1993, but a March 18 news article named two women and alluded to several others who have come forward to allege he sexually abused them.

Michigan locations named for Cesar Chavez include:

• César E. Chávez Avenue in Grand Rapids (formerly Grandville Avenue, fully renamed around 2022)

• César E. Chávez Avenue in Lansing (a section of East/West Grand River Avenue in the Old Town area, renamed in 2018)

• Cesar E. Chavez Avenue in Pontiac (corresponding to Business U.S. Highway 24)

• Chavez Drive in Flint (a service drive along Interstate 475 through downtown, dedicated since 1987)

• Gulf Street in Adrian as honorary César Chávez Drive (signs added in 2023, but not fully renamed)

• César E. Chávez Elementary School in Grand Rapids.

(Though sources differ on the spelling of his name, Chavez himself does not appear to have used diacritical marks in his signature.)

The city of Lansing is having conversations about renaming its street in Old Town, Scott Bean, director of communications and senior advisor to Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, told Michigan Capitol Confidential in an email that outlined Lansing’s street-naming policy.

“The official process for naming streets in the city: The recommended street name is submitted to the Public Service Board, which is made up of residents from across the city, for discussion and approval. Then they forward that recommendation to City Council for final approval. There is usually a community outreach portion to residents and businesses on the affected street or neighborhood.

“Conversations have started in the community on this process. We have heard from Council Vice President Trini Pehlivanoglu (and she has posted publicly on Facebook — www.facebook.com/Trini4Lansing) expressing the need for careful consideration and a process that involves the community. The Mayor fully supports that plan and will work with Council and members of the community, including the Old Town Commercial Association, on any proposed changes.”

Leadriane Roby, superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools, sent the following message to families and staff March 18:

“I am writing to acknowledge that we are aware of the troubling allegations being reported nationally about the namesake of César E. Chávez Elementary School. We recognize the seriousness of these reports, and our thoughts are with anyone who is impacted. Since César Chávez’s death in 1993, many organizations across the country have honored the labor organizer by naming buildings, streets, and schools after him. 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. We will provide updates as appropriate.”

The city of Grand Rapids said it is too early to comment on potential responses to the March 18 report.

"While we are generally aware of recent allegations concerning Cesar Chavez, we do not have specific details at this time,” a city spokesperson told CapCon in an email. “As such, it would be premature to speculate on any potential actions regarding the street name. Questions concerning the future of any celebrations should be directed to the organizers at The Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez."

The cities of Pontiac and Flint did not respond to requests for comment.

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.