In light of recent allegations against César Chávez, local educational agencies (LEAs) have received numerous questions regarding whether to celebrate the upcoming César Chávez state holiday on March 31, 2026, and how to rename schools and other facilities named after Chávez.
César Chávez holiday
LEAs are not mandated to observe the César Chávez holiday and CSBA sample Board Policy/Administrative Regulation (BP/AR) 6115 – Ceremonies and Observances does not list it as a mandatory holiday.
Nevertheless, many LEAs observe the César Chávez holiday because Education Code Section 37220.5 permits them to do so through a memorandum of understanding with applicable employee bargaining units. As a result, LEAs must reach a written agreement with their bargaining units to stop or rename observance of this holiday.
Another option may be to observe another holiday in lieu of César Chávez Day. As outlined in CSBA sample BP 6115, districts may create new holidays via a board resolution.
Given the short timeline, it may be prudent for LEAs to allow observance of the holiday this year and make preparations to change it or remove it for the following year, including any necessary negotiations with the appropriate bargaining units.
(Re)Naming schools or other facilities
While there are no legal hurdles to a name change of a school or other facility, LEAs should follow their own policies for naming facilities including those for gathering community input. CSBA sample BP 7310 – Naming of Facility addresses naming or renaming LEA schools and other LEA-owned or leased buildings, grounds and facilities. That sample board policy encourages community participation in the process of selecting names, requires the appointment of a citizen advisory committee to review name suggestions and submit recommendations for the board’s consideration, and requires a public hearing at which members of the public are given an opportunity to provide input.
If you have any specific questions about holiday observances or facility naming, please contact CSBA’s District and County Office of Education Legal Services at legalservices@csba.org or other legal counsel.
