Cesar Chavez High School in Laveen Renamed Cactus Canyon Following Controversy
Cesar Chavez High School in Laveen will now be called Cactus Canyon
The Arizona Republic
Image: The Arizona Republic
Cesar Chavez High School in Laveen, Arizona, has been renamed Cactus Canyon after the Phoenix Union High School District board voted 4-3 in favor of the change. The decision follows sexual abuse allegations against Chavez reported by The New York Times, with student preference playing a significant role in the new name selection.
- 01The Phoenix Union High School District board voted 4-3 to rename the school.
- 02The name change was prompted by sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez.
- 03Cactus Canyon was chosen over Laveen High School based on student preference.
- 04The renaming process included community input with over 6,500 votes.
- 05The estimated cost of the name change is $700,000.
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The Phoenix Union High School District board has officially renamed Cesar Chavez High School in Laveen, Arizona, to Cactus Canyon. This decision, made on May 7, 2023, was influenced by a New York Times report detailing sexual abuse allegations against Chavez, co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union. While the name Laveen High School garnered the most community votes at 1,710, the board opted for Cactus Canyon due to its popularity among students, receiving 1,418 votes. The renaming process began in March, leading to a nomination window that resulted in 990 submissions. The final three names were voted on by the community, with a total of 6,506 votes cast. The governing board emphasized the importance of honoring student voices in this decision, with board president Francisco Pastor-Rivera stating that younger generations often lead communities into new chapters. The school, which opened in 1999, will retain its colors and the nickname Champions, with the name change estimated to cost $700,000.
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This name change reflects community values and student input, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among students and residents.
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