UFW acts on allegations against César Chávez
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San Antonio's 2024 César Chávez march. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
The United Farm Workers says it won't participate in parades honoring its founder César Chávez, citing "troubling allegations" that Chávez abused young women, possibly including minors.
Why it matters: The allegations raise serious concerns about harm possibly done to women and minors, and threaten to tarnish the legacy of Chávez, one of the most celebrated Latino labor leaders in U.S. history.
The latest: The union's statement Tuesday comes after Chávez parades were canceled in San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas.
- UFW said what is alleged against Chávez is incompatible with the union's values, per the statement.
- The union said it has no firsthand knowledge or direct reports but considers the allegations serious enough to act.
What they're saying: "Allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing," the UFW said.
- Axios has contacted the UFW for comment but did not immediately hear back.
Catch up quick: San Antonio's march, planned for March 28, was canceled earlier this month, though the César E. Chávez Legacy and Educational Foundation (CECLEF) initially gave little detail.
- Deputy city manager María Villagómez said the foundation told the city "the reason for the cancellation is a sensitive matter," KSAT reported.
- The event started in 1997.
- Corpus Christi's march was also canceled.
Flashback: Chávez rose to national prominence in the 1960s, organizing strikes for better living standards and pay for farm workers and the 1968 California grape boycott.
- Since Chávez's death in 1993, streets, parks and schools in major American cities, particularly in the Southwest, were named or renamed in his honor, and cities have hosted annual parades on March 31, his birthday, to remember his legacy.
Between the lines: The César Chávez Foundation echoed the concern raised by the UFW, saying it is "shocked and saddened" and will work to support those who might have been harmed and pursue reconciliation.
- Both groups said they will continue their work supporting farmworkers and Latino communities.
What's next: The UFW plans to create an independent, confidential reporting channel for potential victims and to explore accountability and repair.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from the United Farm Workers.