On March 18, the United Farm Workers Union (UFW) posted on Facebook saying, “We do not condone the actions of César Chávez, will support the victims, and continue to fight for the rights of farmworkers.” California is considering changing the March 31 “César Chávez Day” to “Farmworkers Day.”
César Chávez (1927-1993) was one of the most influential labor leaders and civil rights activists in American history. Recently, three women accused him of sexually assaulting them while they were minors during his time as the UFW president, causing social shock and public outrage, with two of the victims being daughters of union leaders.
UFW stated that after learning of the deeply disturbing allegations, they will not participate in any “César Chávez Day” commemorative activities, a federal holiday established by former President Obama in 2014.
In 1962, Chávez and Dolores Huerta founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) in California. In 1966, this organization merged with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) led by Larry Itliong to form the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee (FWOC), later renamed UFW in 1972.
In a statement on Wednesday (18th), the 95-year-old Huerta said, “For the past sixty years, I have kept secrets because I believed that revealing the truth would harm the farmworkers’ movement I have devoted my life to.” She felt compelled to publicly share her own experiences after the media exposed multiple young, even underage, females being sexually abused by Chávez.
Huerta revealed that in the 1960s, as a young mother, she was coerced into a sexual relationship with Chávez due to manipulation and pressure, considering him her idol, superior leader, and labor movement champion, leaving her feeling powerless to refuse. She also described another instance when she felt trapped and had no escape.
She chose to keep both pregnancies secret and entrusted the children to other families. In her statement, she wrote, “I was fortunate to develop deep emotional ties with the two children… until a few weeks ago, no one else knew the truth except for myself.”
Huerta explained that she remained silent because “fighting for the rights of farmworkers is my lifelong mission, and I would not allow Chávez or anyone else to hinder that.”
“I am actually a survivor,” Huerta said, “In the eyes of those men, whether it was me or other women, we were just possessions to be ‘owned,’ or ‘toys’ to be manipulated and controlled.”
She emphasized that Chávez’s misconduct does not represent the values of the labor community and this movement, nor will it erase the significant achievements gained through this meaningful rights improvement effort.
UFW stated on the 18th, “Co-founder Chávez acted against the core values of our organization; some accusations involve internal family matters that are not to be disclosed or commented on by this alliance.”
“However, the allegations of mistreatment of young women or minors are shocking and distressing… Given the serious nature of these accusations, we feel a deep sense of responsibility and must take immediate measures to uncover the truth.” The union also expressed its commitment to providing a safe space and necessary support for those who have been harmed to share their experiences.
The César Chávez Foundation stated that upon learning of the allegations of Chávez’s inappropriate sexual behavior, they were deeply shocked and saddened, and are working with union leaders to properly address the accusations and support the victims.
The foundation also announced that it will establish a safe and confidential mechanism for victims to speak freely and participate in follow-up restoration and reconciliation efforts, urging the community to be patient and understanding.
On Wednesday (18th), UFW gathered in Fresno, California, to protest the federal government’s plan to reduce the minimum wage standards for H-2A agricultural visas. Union president Teresa Romero, during an interview, expressed that the rape accusations against Chávez were completely unexpected for the organization.
“We will not condone Chávez’s actions,” she also urged the public to “respect the women who have come forward and give them the space they deserve to address this matter.”
From school board members to state legislators, dozens of California leaders have called for the removal of Chávez’s name from parks, schools, streets, libraries, and community events, including the “César Chávez National Monument” in Keene.
In 2000, California became the first state to designate March 31 as a state holiday. On this day, state government employees are granted paid leave, and schools must organize programs introducing the life and role of Chávez in the California labor movement.
Following the sexual assault accusations against Chávez, California Assembly Speaker Rivas and Senate Acting Speaker Limón announced on Thursday (19th) that they will pass a proposal by the end of the month to rename “César Chávez Day” to “Farmworkers Day.” The governor had already expressed his openness to changing the holiday name the day before.
In Los Angeles, there is an avenue named after Chávez downtown; the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has César Chávez Elementary School and César Chávez Learning Academies.
Mayor Bass stated that the city will have to consider a series of adjustments, “including reviewing all kinds of naming matters such as holidays, buildings, streets, etc., giving citizens the opportunity to ‘reflect on the struggle of the farmworkers’ movement’.” ◇