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 yesterday comes after Chávez parades were canceled in San Antonio and Corpus Christi.

• Parade organizers in Austin have not said whether the César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Marcha de Justicia and Celebration, scheduled for March 28, will proceed as planned. Organizers did not immediately return Axios' request for comment.

Zoom in: The 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.

Flashback: Chávez rose to national prominence in the 1960s, organizing strikes for better living standards and pay for farmworkers and the 1968 California grape boycott.

• Since Chávez's death in 1993, streets, parks and schools in major American cities, including in Austin, were named or renamed in his honor.
• Cities have hosted annual parades around 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.

Read the rest

State Rep. James Talarico's Senate campaign has thrust his North Austin church into the spotlight, prompting increased security, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church pastor Jim Rigby told members on Facebook.

Why it matters: Religion is emerging as an early flashpoint in Texas' high-profile Senate race, pitting the Austin Democrat against the winner of a GOP runoff between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.

• Talarico has been a member of St. Andrew's in North Austin since he was 2 years old, he told the congregation in a guest sermon in 2023.

What they're saying: Rigby said the campaign has brought an influx of attention to St. Andrew's.

• "Most of that attention has been positive, but, because we have also received some hostile press and an influx of negative communication, we have temporarily hired plain clothes security as a safety precaution," Rigby wrote on Facebook.
• He added that church leaders are weighing longer-term safety measures.
• "We want you to know your safety is very important to us and we are doing all we can to protect you," Rigby added. "We just thought you had a right to know about this situation before you came to visit."

Talarico's campaign declined to comment.

• Rigby did not immediately return Axios' request for comment.

Between the lines: Republicans have seized on Talarico's religious views, amplifying past remarks to argue he is out of step with Texas voters.

• Talarico, who began pursuing a master of divinity degree at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2022, has defended his views as rooted in his faith.
• He has also criticized Republican policy, including a law requiring Texas public schools to post the Ten Commandments, as anti-Christian.

Share this story

✈️ Airport officials say Transportation Security Administration staffing isn't to blame for long lines at the airport over the weekend. (KXAN)

🚚 Autonomous freight-truck company Einride plans to run its driverless freight trucks on State Highway 130. (Austin Business Journal 🔒)

🦋 38-year-old East Austin theater The Vortex will receive tax breaks from the city as part of an economic preservation agreement with the city. (CultureMap)

🎤 Singer Noah Kahan played a surprise show at South by Southwest yesterday on East Sixth Street. (Austin American-Statesman)

It's the final day of South by Southwest. Here are a couple of ideas for your schedule:

📱 Learn about London-based Nothing as Nicole interviews CEO and founder Carl Pei. 1pm, JW Marriott, Salon 6-8.

🏠 Talk housing at "No Perfect Plans, Just Progress: Austins Housing Miracle," featuring local housing experts and council member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri. 11:30am, JW Marriott, room 201-202.

🍿 Catch the premiere of "Wishful Thinking," starring Lewis Pullman and Maya Hawke. 2:30pm, Alamo Lamar 5.

🎬 Watch a screening of "First They Came For My College," a documentary co-produced by Austin Film Society's Holly Herrick, about the conservative takeover of Florida's New College by Gov. Ron DeSantis. 6pm, Rollins Theatre at the Long Center.

🎸 Jam to Austin singer Barb, who draws from 90s hip-hop rhythms and pop-punk guitar. 8pm, Swan Dive.

A SXSW attendee had a very important moment with a four-legged robot.

😆 Got a witty caption for this photo? Reply to this email, and we'll publish the best responses in an upcoming newsletter.