While March 31 marked the statewide holiday known as Cesar Chavez Day, many don’t know what this day celebrates.

Cesar Chavez, a civil rights activist and labor leader, was born on March 31, 1927, and his birthday was first celebrated as a statewide holiday in 2001, according to the Department of Education’s website.

The significance of Chavez’s efforts to improve the lives of farm-workers in California is one that students should recognize, said Drew Calandrella, vice president of Student Affairs.

Campus staff makes an effort every year to provide students with ways to serve the community in honor of Chavez instead of partying, Calandrella said.

"We try to focus students attention away from a party day and to honor Cesar Chavez through their actions," he said.

The significance of the holiday to the campus community is intended to provide a service to others, and Chavez should inspire students to do the same, Calandrella said. Between 400 to 500 students volunteered their time this year in the Chico area, he said.

An improvement in education of the day and providing alternative activities for students was greatly improved this year, said Amro Jayousi, A.S. president and senior political science major.

However, many students still decide to use the holiday as an excuse to party and drink, he said.

Despite efforts made by the campus community some students remained unaware of alternative activities.

The festivities in the downtown area was the main attraction of the day, said freshman Ashely Davis, a pre-nursing major.

"I don’t think having the day off increases the appreciation for the day – I think students abuse it," Jayousi said.

    
Teresa De Luz can be reached at    
tdeluz@theorion.com