The United Farm Workers (UFW) announced Tuesday that new allegations have surfaced accusing Cesar Chavez, the late co-founder of the union, of abusing “young women or minors.” The UFW said the reports are “deeply troubling” and inconsistent with the organization’s values.
In its statement, the union said some accounts appear to concern private family matters, but that other allegations suggesting harm to very young women or girls are especially “crushing.” The UFW also stressed it does not have firsthand knowledge of the claims and has not directly received detailed reports, yet described the allegations as serious enough to require immediate action.
To respond, both the UFW and the Cesar Chavez Foundation said they will establish a confidential, independent channel for anyone who believes they were harmed by Chavez to share their experiences. The UFW characterized the channel as a way for survivors to report harms, identify current needs, and, if they choose, participate in a collective process seeking repair and accountability. The union said it needs time to ensure “robust, trauma-informed services” are available to those who may come forward.
The Cesar Chavez Foundation issued a separate statement saying it had become aware of “disturbing allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors” during his leadership of the UFW. The foundation said it was “deeply shocked and saddened,” and that it is coordinating with farmworker movement leaders to respond, support potential victims, and uphold commitments to justice and community empowerment.
News of the allegations comes about two weeks before Cesar Chavez Day on March 31. Several cities, including San Antonio, have canceled events planned to honor Chavez, and the UFW said it will not take part in Cesar Chavez Day activities this year.
Cesar Chavez, who died in 1993 at age 66, remains a prominent and controversial figure in the history of farmworker and immigrant rights. His leadership of strikes, boycotts and protests helped secure improved wages and working conditions for agricultural workers. Cesar Chavez Day was designated a federal commemorative holiday by President Barack Obama in 2014.
Both organizations emphasized that setting up a safe, independent way for people to report and seek support is their immediate priority. They said they intend to handle any disclosures with care and to provide appropriate resources to those affected while they assess next steps.