An estimated 150 Hispanic student leaders, community activists and advocates for farmworkers urged UTEP administrators and faculty Thursday to reinstate Cesar Chavez Day as an official holiday on campus.

In a rally reminiscent of the 1970s Chicano Movement, students waved red banners and a diverse group of speakers reminded the audience in Leech Grove of Chavez’s many contributions to farmworkers and civil rights for Mexican-Americans and others.

“Cesar was a person of incredible humility,” said Enrique Moreno, an El Paso civil-rights lawyer. “If he were here today, he would not talk to us about a holiday.

“He would talk to us about our work, about helping people, about lifting people, about speaking for those that cannot speak, about defending those who cannot defend themselves.”

The UTEP Faculty Senate abolished the holiday honoring Chavez, citing the difficulties of scheduling holidays into a crowded academic calendar.

Pete Duarte, a retired health-systems administrator and the former CEO at what is now University Medical Center, symbolically returned a Golden Nugget Award that UTEP had given him in the past for his contributions to the university.

“He never sought personal fame, wealth or recognition — only social justice and equality for all of us,” Duarte said of Chavez’s legacy.

Duarte also said he is withdrawing any financial support to UTEP in protest.

UTEP President Diana Natalicio met briefly with Duarte and a handful of protesters.