This year marks the 23rd year of UC San Diego’s celebration of the life, legacy and achievements of César E. Chávez. A community organizer and civil rights and labor activist, Chávez championed the rights of farm workers and their civil liberties. All are invited to join in a month-long celebration, which will feature numerous free programs centered on the theme, “Celebrando y Luchando por La Causa – Celebrating and Fighting for the Cause.” This year’s theme highlights the work of those who continue the struggle for rights and justice for all.
The signature kickoff event will feature keynote speaker John A. Pérez, Speaker Emeritus of the California Assembly and Regent of the University of California. From 2019 to 2021, Pérez served as Chair of the Board of Regents, and is currently Chair of the Board of Regents Health Services Committee. His career has been dedicated to fighting for working families and can clearly be seen in the legislation and policy initiatives he pursued in the Assembly. He has worked to enact policies that put people back to work and helped workers on the jobsite.
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate in this annual series that honors the achievements of César E. Chávez, raises awareness about the struggle for equal rights and highlights our campus’s commitment to equity, service and community engagement. To view the month-long calendar of events, please visit the César E. Chávez event page.
In recognition of this annual event, two hours of administrative leave with pay have been approved for employees to attend a UC San Diego César E. Chávez Celebration event. Supervisors, upon request, may approve the use of such leave when the absence does not infringe upon the performance of required job duties or patient care.
We thank the members of the UC San Diego César E. Chávez Planning Committee for their work to coordinate these educational and celebratory campus activities. Please join us in celebrating the legacy and contributions of César E. Chávez and the Chicanx/Latinx community.
