UFW Cancels Cesar Chavez Events as Sexual Abuse Allegations Surface.

The United Farm Workers (UFW) made a stunning announcement on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, revealing that they will not participate in any Cesar Chavez Day activities due to 'deeply troubling allegations' against their co-founder.

“Celebrations for what would have been civil rights activist Cesar Chavez‘s 99th birthday are being canceled ahead of what’s being described as “deeply troubling allegations” against the historic figure”

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The allegations involve 'inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors' while he served as president of the union.

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The UFW stated that 'Some of the reports are family issues, and not our story to tell or our place to comment on. Far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors.'

Both the UFW and the Cesar Chavez Foundation emphasized that they have 'not received any direct reports' and do not possess 'firsthand knowledge' of the specific claims.

They acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations despite lacking direct verification.

The announcement triggered immediate and widespread cancellations of Cesar Chavez Day celebrations across the United States.

In Tucson, organizers canceled their planned march and changed their event to focus on immigration issues rather than Chavez's legacy.

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San Antonio and Corpus Christi marches were also canceled, with organizers citing 'sensitive information' about Chavez's past.

In Houston, San Bernardino, and other cities, similar cancellations followed.

The Fresno Unified School District withdrew its participation in scheduled events, and Contra Costa County postponed its annual celebration.

Lansing, Michigan canceled its annual Legacy of Cesar Chavez Dinner, and a labor group in Northern Nevada renamed its annual celebration.

The response to the allegations has been characterized by shock and calls for accountability from community and political leaders.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero expressed being 'personally devastated by the serious abuse allegations' and emphasized the importance of 'making sure everyone knows help and resources are available to people who need them right now.'

Council Member Selina Barajas supported the decision to cancel the march, stating it 'gives our community time to reflect, process, and respond with care and integrity.'

California Sen. Dave Cortese called the allegations 'serious and deeply concerning,' noting that 'We have yet to hear from alleged victims and in the meantime I have reached out to the Chavez family to learn more as the allegations unfold.'

The community response reflects the complex emotional impact of these revelations on those who have long admired Chavez's civil rights legacy.

In response to the allegations, both the UFW and the Cesar Chavez Foundation announced they are establishing 'external, confidential, independent channels' for people who may have experienced harm to share their stories.

The UFW stated they are 'working to establish an external, confidential, independent channel for those who wish to share their experiences of harm, to identify their current impacts and needs, and, if desired, participate in a collective process to develop mechanisms for repair and accountability.'

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The foundation similarly announced they are 'establishing a safe and confidential process for those who wish to share their experiences of historic harm, and, if they choose to, participate in efforts toward repair and reconciliation.'

Both organizations emphasized their need for time to 'get this right,' including ensuring 'robust, trauma-informed services are available to those who may need it.'

The union called on supporters to participate in 'immigration justice events and acts of service to support farmworkers or empower vulnerable people' instead of traditional Chavez Day activities.

Historical context reveals that while Chavez has long been celebrated as a transformative force for social justice, aspects of his legacy have been under increasing scrutiny.

“"Far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors”

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Born in Yuma, Arizona to a Mexican-American family, Chavez co-founded the UFW with Dolores Huerta in 1962 and became internationally prominent for boycotts and fasts that improved working conditions for farmworkers.

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However, historians note that some accounts about his private conduct have been 'whispered about for years,' and biographer Matt Garcia has documented that some veterans of the movement have privately discussed such allegations.

Additionally, Chavez's hardline stance against undocumented workers—including the controversial 'wet lines' and 'Illegals Campaign'—had already complicated his legacy.

The current allegations come as Americans' attitudes toward sexual abuse have shifted significantly since the Me Too movement, making it increasingly difficult to overlook or ignore historical misconduct, even by revered figures.