Allegations of sexual misconduct involving women and minors against the late civil rights leader César Chávez have prompted the United Farm Workers union to withdraw from all upcoming commemorative events. The allegations, dating back to Chávez’s tenure as president of the union, have frozen planned celebrations ahead of the annual holiday honoring his legacy.
The Cesar Chavez Foundation and the United Farm Workers released formal statements on Tuesday addressing the claims. While the union stated it lacks firsthand knowledge of the specific incidents, it characterized the allegations as “crushing” and “deeply troubling,” particularly regarding the alleged involvement of minors.
Regional organizing committees are already altering their schedules as the news permeates the world of labor organizing. A local planning committee in Corpus Christi, Texas, officially canceled its scheduled Cesar Chavez celebration after an undisclosed source came forward regarding the matters.
The Cesar Chavez Foundation stated on Tuesday that its leadership is “deeply shocked and saddened” by the developments. The foundation pledged to support potential victims and announced intentions to collaborate with Farmworker Movement leaders to formulate an appropriate organizational response.
The exact details and full scope of the allegations remain pending. A forthcoming, extensive investigative report detailing the accusations is scheduled to be published by The New York Times in April 2026. Until that publication, major national labor organizations and regional event planners have suspended their activities linked to the March 31 holiday.
“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),” the statement read.https://t.co/l79CUhgzzT
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