Cesar Chavez, the late farmworker organizer who turned a nationwide civil rights icon and co-founded the United Farm Staff, is accused of abusing “younger girls or minors,” the union mentioned in an announcement Tuesday.
“The UFW has realized of deeply troubling allegations that one of many union’s co-founders, Cesar Chavez, behaved in methods which can be incompatible with our group’s values,” the union mentioned. “Among the reviews are household points, and never our story to inform or our place to touch upon. Much more troubling are allegations involving abuse of younger girls or minors. Allegations that very younger girls or women might have been victimized are crushing.”
UFW says it doesn’t have “firsthand information” of any of the allegations and has indirectly obtained reviews of what they could be.
“Nonetheless, the allegations are severe sufficient that we really feel compelled to take pressing steps to be taught extra and supply area for individuals who might have been victimized to seek out assist 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 towards the Division of Protection for purchasing lettuce throughout a strike.
Frank Hurley/NY Each day Information Archive by way of Getty Photographs, FILE
Information of the allegations comes simply two weeks earlier than states throughout the nation are set to look at Cesar Chavez Day on March 31. In current 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 change into conscious of disturbing allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with girls and minors throughout his time as President of the United Farm Staff of America (UFW),” the inspiration mentioned in an announcement.
“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, assist the individuals who might have been harmed by his actions, and guarantee we’re united and guided by our dedication to justice and neighborhood 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 might 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 a long time after his passing, Chavez continues to be the face of farmworker and immigrant rights actions. His a long time of main boycotts, protests, and strikes helped to enhance the wages and dealing circumstances for farmworkers within the nation’s agricultural areas.
Cesar Chavez Day was established as a federal commemorative vacation by President Barack Obama in 2014.
“These allegations have been profoundly surprising. We’d like a while to get this proper, together with to make sure strong, trauma-informed companies can be found to those that may have it,” the union added.
