Cesar Chavez Allegations Described as 'Crushing'
The legacy of United Farm Workers' founder Cesar Chavez is under scrutiny after a statement from the organization.
According to The Los Angeles Times,Chavez is the subject of allegations that led the group to back out of "celebrations" regarding Chavez, even though he is its founder. A statement was posted on March 17 on the United Farm Workers' Foundation's website. The Cesar Chavez Foundation also posted about the allegations.
"The Cesar Chavez Foundation has become aware of disturbing allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors during his time as President of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW)," that organization alleged.
According to The Times, the United Farm Workers union also said the allegations “are incompatible with our organization’s values. 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. Allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing. We have not received any direct reports, and we do not have any firsthand knowledge of these allegations."
Chavez is a revered figure in the civil rights movement, especially for his work fighting for migrant farmers' rights. "A true American hero, Cesar Chavez was a civil rights, Latino and farm labor leader; a genuinely religious and spiritual figure; a community organizer and social entrepreneur; a champion of militant nonviolent social change; and a crusader for the environment and consumer rights," the Chavez Foundation website says in its bio for him.
The Cesar Chavez Foundation Described Itself as 'Deeply Shocked & Saddened'
"We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing," the Cesar Chavez Foundation wrote.
"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," wrote the group.
"In partnership with the UFW, we 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. In addition, we are investing time and resources to ensure the Foundation promotes and strengthens a workplace culture that is safe and welcoming for all," the organization added.
(Photo by Bob Olsen/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
"We ask for our community’s patience as we learn more. 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," added the organization.
"Today, the Cesar Chavez Foundation impacts the lives of millions of Latinos and working families across the Southwest by inspiring and transforming communities through social enterprises that address essential human, cultural, and community needs," the group continued.
The United Farm Workers Foundation wrote in its statement:
"As a women-led organization that exists to empower communities, the allegations about abusive behavior by Cesar Chavez go against everything that we stand for. These disturbing allegations involve inappropriate behavior by Cesar Chavez with young women and minors, they are shocking, indefensible and something we are taking seriously.
Recognizing how serious the allegations are, the UFW Foundation has cancelled all Cesar Chavez Day activities this month.
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. We know this is difficult and painful and the healing and safety of survivors is of utmost importance to us."
Events Honoring Cesar Chavez Have Been Cancelled
According to The Times, amid the allegations arising, "several events around the country honoring Chavez including events in Tucson, Houston, Corpus Christi, San Antonio and San Bernardino have been canceled in recent weeks, with little explanation given by organizers."
The specifics of the allegations are not clear.
The Times reported that "it’s unclear the source of the new allegations or when they might become public." Cesar Chavez died in 1993.