Cesar Chavez, the late farmworker organizer who grew to become a nationwide civil rights icon and co-founded the United Farm Staff, is accused of abusing “younger ladies or minors,” the union mentioned in a press release Tuesday.
“The UFW has discovered of deeply troubling allegations that one of many union’s co-founders, Cesar Chavez, behaved in methods which are incompatible with our group’s values,” the union mentioned. “Among the studies are household points, and never our story to inform or our place to touch upon. Much more troubling are allegations involving abuse of younger ladies or minors. Allegations that very younger ladies or women could have been victimized are crushing.”
UFW says it doesn’t have “firsthand information” of any of the allegations and has indirectly acquired studies of what they might be.
“Nonetheless, the allegations are critical sufficient that we really feel compelled to take pressing steps to study extra and supply house for individuals who could have been victimized to search out help and to share their tales if that’s what they select,” the union mentioned.
On this Jan. 15, 1971, flie photograph, Cesar Chavez speaks to demonstrators in Foley Sq. earlier than coming into the Federal Constructing to file a lawsuit in opposition to the Division of Protection for purchasing lettuce throughout a strike.
Frank Hurley/NY Every day Information Archive through Getty Photographs, FILE
Information of the allegations comes simply two weeks earlier than states throughout the nation are set to watch Cesar Chavez Day on March 31. In latest days, cities together with San Antonio have canceled occasions honoring Chavez.
Each the Cesar Chavez Basis and the United Farm Staff have launched statements referencing non-specific allegations of abuse. UFW says it is not going to be collaborating in any Cesar Chavez Day actions.
“The Cesar Chavez Basis has turn into conscious of disturbing allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual habits with ladies and minors throughout his time as President of the United Farm Staff of America (UFW),” the inspiration mentioned in a press release.
“We’re deeply shocked and saddened by what we’re listening to. The Basis is working with leaders within the Farmworker Motion to be responsive to those allegations, help the individuals who could have been harmed by his actions, and guarantee we’re united and guided by our dedication to justice and group empowerment,” the assertion mentioned.
On this June 4, 1988, file photograph, United Farm Staff President Cesar Chavez speaks to crowd of supporters in McFarland, Calif.
Bob Riha Jr/Getty Photographs, FILE
The 2 organizations say they are going to be establishing what they described as a confidential and impartial channel “for many who could have skilled hurt brought on by Cesar Chavez” to share their experiences.
“This channel is for many who want to share their experiences of hurt, to determine their present impacts and wishes, and, if desired, to take part in a collective course of to develop mechanisms for restore and accountability,” UFW mentioned within the assertion.
Chavez died in 1993 on the age of 66.
In modern-day, greater than three many years after his passing, Chavez continues to be the face of farmworker and immigrant rights actions. His many years of main boycotts, protests, and strikes helped to enhance the wages and dealing circumstances for farmworkers within the nation’s agricultural areas.Â
Cesar Chavez Day was established as a federal commemorative vacation by President Barack Obama in 2014.
“These allegations have been profoundly stunning. We want a while to get this proper, together with to make sure strong, trauma-informed providers can be found to those that might have it,” the union added.
