To the San José State University community,
As I read the recent investigative reporting regarding César Chávez, I experienced the shock, disappointment and despair that I know many in our community are feeling. Like many of you, I needed time to process this information and have since consulted with campus leaders to help guide our next steps.
On behalf of SJSU, I recognize the profound impact the horrific allegations are having, and I acknowledge the pain, harm, and triggering effects such traumatic experiences have on survivors. Our university stands in solidarity with survivors, and we denounce all forms of violence and sexual abuse, recognizing the disproportionate harm these acts inflict on those who are the most vulnerable and too often unheard.
These revelations are particularly heavy for us in San José, a city where the activism of Dolores Huerta and Chávez was deeply rooted. As we look ahead, we will continue to honor the many organizations and individuals who advanced the farmworker movement, especially the contributions of women and marginalized leaders. As an academic community, we are uniquely positioned with the tools and conceptual frameworks that can guide our approach with empathy, intentionality, and integrity.
I. Establishing a Process for Community Engagement
We must navigate this betrayal of our trust and confidence while recognizing the broader and complex context, lived experiences and intersectionality of the labor movement. Together with experts across Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, we will initiate a campuswide engagement process that addresses the impact of these allegations brought forth by the brave testimonies of Ana Murguia, Debra Rojas, and the esteemed Dolores Huerta. I know that some of you are already planning engagements. Watch for more details on campuswide meetings to occur after spring break. I look forward to working with you.
This process will include:
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University dialogues: Led by campus colleagues with subject-matter expertise, we will embrace a comprehensive approach to sense-making and healing. This will include uplifting the historic progress of many voices and activism that advanced the farmworker movement and understanding the harms of sexual violence. These dialogues can help us begin the process of reconciling the impact on our institutional history.
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Academic integration: Academic Affairs is working to schedule a Teach-In for later in the semester. We also will work closely with our faculty, staff, and students, particularly with our academic and staff experts. We must honor our academic and cultural legacies while fearlessly interrogating the flaws of our historical figures with honesty and rigor.
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II. Assessing Our Physical Spaces and Named Centers
San José State is home to several landmarks and programs that bear the Chávez name or likeness. We must determine how these spaces reflect our values and impact our community. These spaces include the Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice; the Paseo de César Chávez; and various campus representations and images of César Chávez, sometimes in the context of others. We will gather campus-wide input, then consult with appropriate community and governance groups and individuals, including the Art Collection Committee.
Along with student leaders, we will also consider the appropriate course of action for:
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Named programming: This includes “Chávez, Huerta, Itliong (CHI) Month” and various mentorship initiatives.
- César E. Chávez Community Action Center (CCCAC): For more than 20 years, this center has served as a hub for student leadership and civic engagement.
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We should strive to ensure that our physical and programmatic environments remain a point of pride for our entire community and where everyone, most notably women and girls, feels safe, respected, and heard.
We will be thoughtful and intentional. We will uphold the inspiration from the farmworker movement. As many in our community have noted, the movement itself, the workers, the marchers, and the women who stood on the front lines must continue to be celebrated. Their contributions cannot be dimmed by the actions of one person. As we look ahead, we will remain centered on the truth and respect the dignity of survivors.
This is a painful reckoning, but it is a necessary one. And it is a powerful reminder that meaningful change only happens through the concerted efforts of many, and only takes root when it is grounded in understanding, mutual respect and dignity for all.
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Cynthia Teniente-Matson
President
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Note: this message is being sent to the entire SJSU community, including to employees (faculty and staff) outside the regular SpartanMessenger cadence, to communicate a significant development directly from the President. Any and all non-urgent and routine email communications to employees must still be submitted to SpartanMessenger. Non-urgent news to students may be sent through the Sammy app and/or email.
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University Communications | Office of the President
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192
sjsu.edu
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