Dear Oregon State Community Members,
Deeply troubling revelations and allegations involving César Chávez have profoundly affected our community, especially survivors of sexual violence, as well as those who have long viewed Chávez as an important labor leader and a source of pride and inspiration.
Recognizing these impacts and in response to requests from community members, I am charging the university’s Architectural Naming Committee to begin an evaluation process to review the naming of the Centro Cultural César Chávez, one of the seven cultural resource centers on the Corvallis campus. Throughout this process, members of the OSU community will have opportunities to share their experiences and perspectives. Concerns raised about artwork connected to Chávez within the Centro and other locations on our campuses will also be considered as part of a broader review. More information will be provided on this process in the coming days.
The Centro Cultural César Chávez has played a vital role on the Corvallis campus for decades, serving as a hub of community and cultural connection for many students, staff and faculty. Part of what makes OSU so special is a shared commitment to creating a sense of home and belonging for everyone. It’s with that very commitment that we address current challenges and look to the future together.
Sincerely,
Jayathi Y. Murthy
President