MONTEREY COUNTY — The nation’s oldest farmworker union announced Tuesday that it has canceled all events celebrating labor organizer César Chávez after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted several women and girls.
“As a women-led organization that exists to empower communities, the allegations about abusive behavior by César Chávez go against everything that we stand for,” said United Farm Workers (UFW) in a statement published on its website. “These disturbing allegations involve inappropriate behavior by César Chávez with young women and minors. They are shocking, indefensible and something we are taking seriously.”
The announcement followed an investigation by The New York Times that found years of similar accusations against Chávez, who died in 1993.
In an Instagram post Wednesday, civil rights leader Dolores Huerta said Chávez forced her to have sex twice and that both encounters resulted in pregnancies.
“The first time I was manipulated and pressured into having sex with him, and I didn’t feel I could say no because he was someone that I admired, my boss and the leader of the movement I had already devoted years of my life to,” she said. “The second time I was forced, against my will, and in an environment where I felt trapped.”
The 96-year-old said she had remained silent for six decades out of fear that her story would hurt the movement to which she has dedicated her life.
“I had experienced abuse and sexual violence before, and I convinced myself these were incidents that I had to endure alone and in secret,” she said.
In a statement released Wednesday, Chávez’s family said it is “devastated” by the news.
“This is deeply painful for our family,” the statement reads. “We wish peace and healing to the survivors and commend their courage to come forward. As a family steeped in the values of equity and justice, we honor the voices of those who feel unheard and who report sexual abuse.”
The statement added that family members carry their own memories of Chávez, who they said is “someone whose life included work and contributions that matter deeply to many people.”
School leaders address concerns
Chávez has become an icon in Mexican American culture, with roads and buildings nationwide named after him and elementary school lessons extolling his efforts to bring dignity and civil rights to farmworkers.
Soledad Unified School District Superintendent Randy Bangs said in a March 18 letter to families and staff that the district is reviewing the reports and evaluating next steps regarding school-based observances tied to César Chávez Day.
“We recognize this reporting may be upsetting or confusing for some members of our community,” Bangs said. “At this time, the Soledad Unified School District is reviewing the information that has been reported and evaluating our next steps regarding any district or school-based activities that may reference or celebrate César Chávez Day. Our priority is to ensure any instructional or commemorative activities align with our values, are age-appropriate, and remain centered on student wellbeing and safety.”
Greenfield Union School District Superintendent Laura Cortez also addressed families and staff in a letter Wednesday, saying the district is reaffirming its commitment to a safe and supportive learning environment while responding to the news.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for every student. Our schools are places where children should feel secure, valued, and supported each and every day,” Cortez said.
The letter added that Greenfield USD will continue civic-focused programming and provide social-emotional wellness support to students and staff while reviewing its approach to observances connected to César Chávez Day. The district noted it will await guidance from the state regarding continued observance of the holiday.
Greenfield USD also has a school named Cesar Chavez Elementary School, though it is unclear whether there are any plans at this time to rename the campus. A César Chávez Day Celebration is listed on the district website for March 31 at the school.
Gonzales Unified School District has César Chávez Day scheduled on its calendar as a “No School” day for March 27.
District officials across the region encouraged families to reach out directly to schools for guidance and support as discussions around the allegations continue.
County, state officials respond
Monterey County Administrative Officer Sonia De La Rosa, speaking on behalf of the County of Monterey, issued a statement Wednesday emphasizing support for survivors and the broader legacy of farmworker advocacy.
“Considering recent allegations about César Chávez, the County of Monterey remains committed to ensuring that survivors of violence are heard and treated with dignity and respect,” the statement read. “The Farmworker Rights Movement was advanced by thousands of individuals and families dedicated to the fair treatment of those who labored to put food on tables worldwide, ending in a historic change for themselves and future generations of farmworkers. This work continues and advances through ongoing advocacy by us in the community, the next generation which has inherited the reins of this effort on a path paved by history makers.”
Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo said the allegations are “serious, deeply troubling, and demand our full attention.”
“We must approach this moment with a clear commitment to truth, accountability and justice,” Alejo said. “The voices of those who have come forward must be heard, respected and taken seriously.”
The pain being felt across the Latino community and beyond, Alejo said, cannot be dismissed or minimized.
“At the same time, we must be clear-eyed about history,” he added. “The farmworker rights movement was never the work of one individual alone. It was built by thousands of courageous farmworkers, organizers and families who sacrificed, organized and fought for basic human dignity in the fields and beyond. Their legacy is real, and it endures.”
Sen. Alex Padilla called the accusations “heartbreaking, horrific accounts of abuse.”
“I stand with the survivors, commend them for their bravery in sharing their stories and condemn the abhorrent actions they described,” Padilla said. “The survivors deserve to be heard. They deserve to be supported. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Rep. Zoe Lofgren issued a statement Thursday regarding the Times’ multi-year investigation into sexual misconduct by the late Chávez.
“I’m shocked and horrified by these revelations that César Chávez groomed and sexually abused young women and minors,” said Lofgren, who represents California’s 18th District. “My heart breaks for the survivors who had to carry this pain for so many years, including UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta, and my thoughts are with all the brave women who have shared their stories. The United Farm Workers and the movement it represents is so much bigger than one man, and we must continue confronting the injustices faced by America’s farmworkers.”
Farmworkers Day proposed
On Thursday, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón issued a joint statement saying the farmworker rights movement “never has been about one individual.”
“To the survivors who have found the courage to come forward, uplifting the movement’s values of dignity and justice, and demanding accountability, our hearts are with you always,” the statement said.
The California leaders added that the movement has long been rooted in ideals of fairness and respect, and that at its core it is about “the women and men whose hard work feeds our nation, and whose bravery — together with countless supporters — has fueled a persistent fight to secure essential worker rights and recognition of their humanity.”
Rivas and Limón also announced plans to introduce legislation to designate a new state holiday in 2026, to be called Farmworkers Day. They said the holiday would serve as a time for Californians to honor the past, reflect on the present and renew a commitment to equity and justice for farmworkers.
They added that the Legislature and state leaders will be working with local governments and school districts to address laws and statutes related to observances and related policies.
Todd Guild contributed to this story.
