UCSD Chancellor Robert C. Dynes announced in a campuswide e-mail last week that the University of California has created a universitywide holiday to commemorate Cesar Chavez. The holiday will be observed annually on the last Friday of March, starting March 29, 2002.

The decision followed Gov. Gray Davis’ recognition of a statewide holiday in memory of Chavez.

“”This long-awaited state holiday recognizes the civil rights crusades of a remarkable citizen who strove for economic justice for the state’s most vulnerable employees,”” Davis stated.

Chavez, who fought for farmers’ rights, led the first successful farm workers’ union in U.S. history. Later he became the president of the United Farm Workers of America, the AFL-CIO.

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Joseph Watson appreciates efforts to establish the new university holiday.

“”There was considerable discussion about how to best achieve this,”” Watson said. “”There was a great deal of enthusiasm and support.””

The decision to recognize Chavez is in accordance with California Senate Bill 984, which passed Aug. 21, Dynes said.

The Chavez holiday will replace the UCSD Personal Holiday.