Texas Education Agency orders public schools to remove mentions of Cesar Chavez from lessons

March 24, 2026 - 03:58

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has issued directives to public schools mandating the removal of references to labor and civil rights leader Cesar Chavez from state-developed lesson materials. This move is part of a broader curriculum adjustment affecting several historical figures.

The instructions extend beyond classroom instruction, as schools were also directed to cancel or modify celebrations and events honoring the late activist. This includes activities surrounding Cesar Chavez Day, observed on March 31.

Officials cite recently surfaced allegations of sexual abuse against Chavez as the primary rationale for the decision. The agency stated the aim is to ensure curriculum materials align with state standards for appropriate content. The directive utilizes instructional materials created under a law known as HB 1605, which grants the TEA increased authority over classroom resources.

The decision has sparked immediate debate among educators and community advocates. Supporters argue it is a necessary step in vetting historical figures, while critics contend it amounts to an erasure of a significant, though complex, figure in the fight for farmworkers' rights and social justice. The change impacts how a generation of Texas students will learn about modern American social movements.