Cesar Chavez abuse allegations force communities to rethink honors for the labor leader | CNN

A blanketed figure stood Wednesday in the Peace Garden of California’s Fresno State University like a shadowy ghost. The large black sheet awkwardly held taut with plastic binder clips hid the statue of Cesar Chavez, who spent decades in the spotlight as an icon of labor power and Latino pride. The legacy of the larger-than-life figure – who died three decades ago – was rocked Wednesday by shocking allegations in a New York Times story that Chavez sexually abused girls and women, including one of his most prominent organizing partners, for decades during his leadership of the US movement for farm workers’ rights. Admirers and public officials are now scrambling to respond to the claims about the man who has been honored with holidays, statues and school names in communities around the country. Here’s what we know about the allegations against Chavez and the response. The quick decision by Fresno State to cover its Chavez statue, which was erected on campus 30 years ago, was one of the most visible signs of the speed at which his memory is being reevaluated. By the end of the day, the sculpture was encased by plywood. “In light of the seriousness of the current revelatio

Mar 19, 2026 → Mar 31, 2026