UFW, Chávez Foundation Disassociate Over Chávez-Related Events Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations

A comprehensive investigation by The New York Times has revealed decades of sexual abuse allegations against farmworker leader Cesar Chávez.

The investigation interviewed more than 60 people including aides, relatives, and union members.

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Multiple women claimed Chávez sexually abused them during his leadership of the United Farm Workers movement in the 1960s and 1970s.

Two women stated they were groomed and abused starting when they were 12 or 13 years old.

Dolores Huerta came forward after 60 years of silence, alleging she was raped by Chávez in a secluded grape field in 1966.

Huerta also described an earlier sexual encounter in 1960 that resulted in pregnancies kept secret for decades.

The United Farm Workers union announced it would not participate in any activities scheduled for Cesar Chávez Day on March 31.

The UFW described the allegations as 'deeply troubling' and 'incompatible with our organization's values.'

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The César Chávez Foundation expressed being 'deeply shocked and saddened' by the disturbing allegations.

The foundation suspended all commemorative events in cities such as Tucson, Houston, Corpus Christi, and San Bernardino.

Both organizations announced they would establish external, confidential channels for potential victims.

They acknowledged having no firsthand knowledge of the specific allegations.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that the state would stop officially recognizing Cesar Chavez Day.

“Who was César Chávez, and what were his ties to Arizona”

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Abbott said he plans to work with lawmakers to remove the holiday from state law entirely.

New Mexico Senator Ben Ray Luján stated that Chávez's name should be removed from all landmarks, institutions, and honors.

Luján declared that 'we cannot celebrate someone who carried out such disturbing harm.'

California Senator Alex Padilla supported removing Chavez's name from landmarks and institutions.

Numerous cities have canceled or postponed Chávez Day celebrations, including San Francisco, Denver, Houston, and various cities in Arizona and Texas.

The allegations have sparked intense debate about Chávez's legacy and the future of commemorating the farmworker movement.

Latino leaders emphasize that the farmworker movement transcends any single individual.

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Many note that the movement has always been carried forward by thousands of people, particularly women.

Professor Matt Garcia from Dartmouth College noted that Chavez's centralized power came at the expense of women, immigrants, and others.

The AFL-CIO announced it would not participate or endorse any upcoming activities for Cesar Chávez Day.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced the city would initiate a process to identify locations bearing Chávez's name and develop a community-driven initiative to honor the broader farmworker justice movement.