Davis Joint Unified School District moves to rename César Chávez Elementary School

The district is assembling a committee to guide the renaming process after recent allegations against the labor rights activist

By ALMA CULVERWELL — city@theaggie.org 

The Davis Joint Unified School District (DJUSD) is moving forward with plans to rename César Chávez Elementary School, following recent allegations of abuse and assault by labor rights activist and United Farm Workers co-founder César Chávez. 

DJUSD held a meeting on April 2 where they agreed to form a community committee to recommend a new name for the school before the end of the 2025-26 academic year. This decision reflects the district’s response to what officials described as news that has shocked and disturbed the community, particularly families connected to the school.

The school board finalized the structure, size and composition of the renaming committee at its meeting on April 16. The committee is composed of 15 members and will operate separately from the school district. The committee is expected to hold its first meeting the week of April 27. 

The group will meet approximately four times throughout the end of May to gather community input and eventually develop a formal name recommendation. DJUSD Superintendent Matt Best will then bring a final recommendation to the school board at the meeting on June 4. 

Community members interested in serving on the committee were invited to fill out an interest form by Tuesday, April 14. Those with suggested names for the school can submit ideas and rationale through a separate online form, open through April 26 until 5 p.m.

Amanda Rayls, the president of Davis Teachers Association, voiced her thoughts in light of recent events at the DJUSD Board of Education meeting on April 4. 

“School names represent our values, history and the message we send to every student who walks through those doors,” Rayls said. “A school's name is more than a label: it is a symbol [...] it tells students who we choose to honor and who we believe is worth remembering. Renaming a school is not about erasing history. History remains in our books, our lessons and our collective understanding. Instead, it is about choosing what we elevate and celebrate in a shared public space dedicated to learning and growth.”

Rayls continued, explaining the reasoning behind the change. 

“For some members of our [César Chávez Elementary] community, the current name may carry painful or complicated associations,” Rayls said. “Even if that is not the case for everyone, we have a responsibility to listen thoughtfully and lead with empathy.” 

Rayls addressed those who may be hesitant to change the name. 

“Of course, change can be difficult,” Rayls said. “Traditions matter, and many people feel a deep connection to the school as it is. Those feelings deserve respect, but growth often requires us to reexamine long-held assumptions and make choices that better align with who we are today and who we want to become tomorrow.”

For now, the form remains open for community members to provide name suggestions — all of which will be given to the selection committee. DJUSD plans to make necessary logistical changes over the summer and begin the new 2026-27 school year with the new name in effect.

Written By: Alma Culverwell— city@theaggie.org