UFW, Chavez Foundation Skip Cesar Chavez Day Over Allegations

The United Farm Workers union and the Cesar Chavez Foundation announced Tuesday that they will not participate in Cesar Chavez Day activities scheduled for March 31, following allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior by the labor leader toward women and minors during his tenure as UFW president in the 1960s and 1970s.

The organizations described the claims as deeply troubling and incompatible with their values of justice and community empowerment. In a joint effort, they are establishing a confidential, independent process to allow individuals who may have experienced harm to share their stories, identify needs and pursue repair and reconciliation. The UFW emphasized that it has received no direct reports or firsthand knowledge of the allegations but views them as serious enough to warrant immediate action, including providing space for potential victims to seek support.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing," the Cesar Chavez Foundation stated. "The Foundation is working with leaders in the farmworker movement to be responsive to these allegations, support the people who may have been harmed by his actions and ensure we are united and guided by our...