Fort Worth City Council Will Consider Removing Cesar Chavez Honorary Designation

The Fort Worth City Council is going to consider removing the Cesar Chavez honorary designation from portions of East 28th Street in light of the recent sexual misconduct allegations against the labor and civil rights leader.

The city announced the news in a Monday press release. According to the bulletin, council will take up a provision rescinding part of a 2020 resolution that ordered the name change.

"On March 31, the council will consider taking a focused and responsible step: rescinding only the honorary designation for Chavez along a portion of State Highway 183 (Northeast and Northwest 28th Street)," the release states. "The honorary designation celebrating the work of human and labor rights activist Dolores Huerta, created in the same 2020 resolution, would remain fully intact because it is appropriate, meaningful and aligned with the city's values."

The press release quotes Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores, who represents District 2. "Honorary street names are not symbolic gestures," he said. "They are public endorsements of character, conduct, and legacy. Recent allegations regarding Cesar Chavez have raised serious questions and credible concerns within the community. When new information calls into question whether an honoree reflects the city's values, the council has a duty to act."

He added, "Importantly, Ms. Huerta's status as a victim of misconduct does not tarnish her historic contributions or her legacy of advocacy and leadership."

The city's Transportation and Public Works department already removed the signage along the route last week. The city coordinated with the Texas Department of Transportation regarding removal of signage along I-35 northbound and southbound lanes.