Union Co-Founded By Cesar Chavez Cancels Annual Celebration of Him, Citing Allegations of Sex With Minors

"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. The union said in its statement that Chavez allegedly behaved in ways that are incompatible with our organization's values, and while some of the reports are family issues, there are more and significant allegations being made."

"The United Farm Workers union announced Tuesday that it was cancelling its Cesar Chavez Day celebrations this year in light of new allegations about Chavez the man. The foundation said that the allegations stem from incidents that occurred during his time as President of the United Farm Workers of America."

"The union's statement added that canceling the March 31 events would provide space for people who may have been victimized to find support and to share their stories if that is what they choose. These latest allegations against Chavez come over a decade after Chavez's legacy was tainted by revelations that he was hostile to undocumented farm workers."

The United Farm Workers union announced the cancellation of Cesar Chavez Day celebrations following confirmed allegations of abuse involving young women and girls. The Cesar Chavez Foundation corroborated that these incidents occurred during Chavez's tenure as president of the union. The union stated that Chavez's alleged behavior contradicted organizational values, with some reports involving family matters and more serious allegations of victimization of minors. Multiple Cesar Chavez Day events across cities including Tucson, Houston, and San Antonio had been mysteriously cancelled in preceding weeks. The union indicated that cancelling the March 31 celebrations would create space for potential victims to seek support and share their experiences. Specific details of the allegations remain undisclosed publicly.

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