Chavez day brings call for respect

CHICO, California (KNVN) — A group of Chico State students is working to curb what it calls "disrespectful" celebrations of the holiday named for civil rights and labor leader Cesar Chavez.

Over the past few years, Cesar Chavez Day has become a party day for Chico State students. Some have even compared it to the massive celebrations seen on Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day, but members of the Cross Cultural Leadership Club is trying to stop at least one part of the celebration. That would be the sombreros, ponchos and other stereotypical attire that members of the group call "disrespectful."

"It is just disrespectful to see how they dress up. They see it as a Halloween day or just a holiday to drink, but it is more than that," Lambda Theta Nu member Jeanette Ochoa said.

"This past year, it really hit me that this is a really disrespectful celebration," event organizer Mario Morales said.

Morales realizes that many students would prefer to relax and enjoy the day off from school. He’s just hopeful that if they do decide to have a few drinks that they tone down the racial stereotypes.

"Feel free to celebrate, but just do it in a more respectful way," Morales said.