Cesar Chavez, the late labor and civil rights activist seen here in February 1979 talking to a crowd in Calexico, Calif., has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior, prompting events to be held later this month in his honor to be canceled. File Photo by Mark Loundy/UPI | License Photo
Several organizations have canceled celebrations to mark this month’s Cesar Chavez Day after allegations surfaced that the commemorative holiday’s namesake may have engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior with both adults and children.
Few specifics are publicly known about the allegations, which the Cesar Chavez Foundation described in a statement as “disturbing.” The United Farm Workers of America union also said in a statement that it had learned of the “deeply troubling allegations” against Chavez, one of its founders, though it does not have “firsthand knowledge” of any of them.
The CCF said the allegations that Chavez “engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors” stem from Chavez’s time as president of the United Farm Workers of America, a position he held until his death in April 1993.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing,” the foundation said, adding that it was working with leaders of the farmworker movement to respond to the allegations and support those who may have been victimized.
With the UFW, the CCF said it was establishing “a safe and confidential process” for victims to share experiences of abuse and voluntarily participate in reparation and reconciliation efforts, while also working to promote and strengthen a safe and welcoming workplace culture.
“We ask for our community’s patience as we learn more,” the CCF said.
“Throughout this process, our organization and our partners in the movement will continue our work together to protect and uplift the families and communities that we serve.”
Chavez is widely celebrated as a labor and civil rights leader who campaigned for better pay and working conditions for farm workers, including migrants employed in the agricultural industry.
His birthday, March 31, is observed by many communities as Cesar Chavez Day, often with marches, rallies, commemorations and speeches.
Following the allegations, events have been canceled across the country.
The UFW Foundation, a separate nonprofit charity, said it has canceled all Cesar Chavez Day activities this month, saying the allegations against Chavez “go against everything we stand for.”
“For nearly 20 years, the UFW Foundation has worked to advocate, organize and provide direct services that protect and serve farm workers and immigrants — many of whom are women, and many of whom have shared their painful stories with us,” it said in a statement.
“We know this is difficult and painful and the healing and safety of survivors is of utmost importance to us.”
La Union del Pueblo Entero, founded in South Texas in 2003, announced it will not participate in any such activities. The Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Education Foundation announced on its website that its event scheduled for March 28 has been canceled.
Officials of Alamo Colleges announced online that while its system will remain closed March 31, they “are shifting the focus of the day” in response to the allegations.
The Tucson, Arizona, Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta March & Rally has been renamed as the Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office said in a statement that they would not participate in any related events.
