Sexual abuse allegations against César Chávez alter plans

Celebrations for Cesar Chavez canceled amid troubling allegations

Events honoring civil rights icon Cesar Chavez are being called off across the Bay Area, as organizations respond to newly acknowledged allegations.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Allegations of sexual misconduct have surfaced involving the late farm labor leader César Chávez, including accusations involving women and minors.

In a letter released Tuesday, the Cesar Chavez Foundation said the alleged behavior occurred while Chavez was president of the United Farm Workers (UFW), which he co-founded.

Foundation responds to allegations

What they're saying:

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing," the foundation said. "The Foundation is working with leaders in the Farmworker Movement to be responsive to these allegations, support the people who may have been harmed by his actions, and ensure we are united and guided by our commitment to justice and community empowerment."

The foundation did not provide additional details about the allegations.

Union pulls César Chávez Day participation

Dig deeper:

The UFW also released a statement saying it has learned of "deeply troubling allegations," including reports involving family matters, and will not participate in any Cesar Chavez Day activities.

"Far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors," the union said. "Allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing."

The union said it has not received any direct reports and does not have firsthand knowledge of the incidents.

"However, the allegations are serious enough that we feel compelled to take urgent steps to learn more and provide space for people who may have been victimized to find support and to share their stories if that is what they choose," the union said.

Local leaders say the allegations have been difficult for many in the community.

"It was pretty devastating. Cesar Chavez is definitely a figure that the Latino community looks up to," said Gloria Partida, vice mayor of Davis and a community advocate.

"But there were many, many people that were involved in that movement to make it successful. There were allies and, you know, no one can do something like this alone. And the impact of the movement saved lives and changed people's lives, the trajectory of their lives. And none of that should be negated," she added. 

Events canceled

What's next:

The statements follow a report from KIII in Corpus Christi, where a local committee planning a Cesar Chavez celebration canceled the event after a source came forward with information regarding what were described as "sensitive matters" involving Chavez.

According to the report, further details are expected to be published in The New York Times in April.

The Cesar Chavez March for Justice in Los Angeles this Sunday, one of the largest in the region, is still scheduled to take place.

"The allegations being made have to be at least sixty years old, maybe seventy. For the people here, we are dealing with real issues affecting the community, at least for the march we're having on the 22nd, we're asking for amnesty now," said Ruben Rodriguez, executive director of Pueblo y Salud.

In the Bay Area, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said the city is reassessing its involvement in any Chávez Day events, though a decision has not yet been made.

"While we will always support better working conditions for the farmworkers who feed this country, we are deeply disturbed by these serious allegations," Mahan said. "Given Chavez’s ties to San José, we want to ensure we are not further traumatizing anyone who may have experienced harm, and are reassessing city involvement in events associated with the state holiday until we learn more."

The 25th annual Cesar Chavez Breakfast in San Jose, hosted by the Center for Employment Training, has been canceled in light of the allegations.

Contra Costa County is also postponing its annual celebration as it reviews details.

"Following the lead of the United Farm Workers, Contra Costa County remains focused on supporting farmworkers and advancing equity, safety, and opportunity in agriculture. Because of today’s news, we are currently reviewing the details for our upcoming County celebration and will share updates once plans are finalized. Our goal is to ensure this event honors farmworkers, highlights urgent issues like fair wages and safe working conditions, and reflects our shared values of dignity and inclusion."

It is unclear where the new allegations originated or when they might become public. Activists say there had been talk for weeks that something involving Chavez might soon emerge.