Lawmakers and community leaders react to ‘indefensible’ Cesar Chavez sexual abuse allegations

New York Times report leads to multiple cancellations of events meant to celebrate the late labor organizer Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox Lawmakers, union leaders and several community organizations expressed their shock and disgust after several women shared allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior and abuse by the late labor organizer Cesar Chavez. The New York Times released an investigation on Wednesday detailing the allegations, which revealed that for years the co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union had groomed and sexually abused girls who were involved in the movement. The report has led to multiple cancellations or rebranding of events that were meant to celebrate Cesar Chavez Day, which is observed annually on 31 March, Chavez’s birthday. States including California, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Colorado, Oregon and Minnesota have recognized the holiday. Before the Times released the report, media inquiries about the allegations prompted the UFW to cancel celebrations honoring Chavez, calling the allegations “disturbing”, “shocking” and “indefensible”. Gavin Newsom said in a press conference on Wednesda

Mar 18, 2026 → Mar 31, 2026