Community leaders and the labor movement stand with survivors of sexual abuse by civil rights leader César Chávez

Just two weeks shy of César Chávez state holiday and U.S. federal commemorative holiday on March 31st, the labor movement and immigrant community leaders are reacting to the shocking news of sexual misconduct against the farmworker leader. 

This comes after the New York Times published an investigative piece exposing accusations from at least three women accusing Chávez of sexual abuse; Ana Murgia, Debra Rojas and Chavez’ labor partner for decades, activist and icon Dolores Huerta.

After the article was published Huerta, 95, released a statement exposing the two separate sexual encounters with Chavez.

“The first time I was manipulated and pressured into having sex with him, and I didn’t feel I could say no because he was someone that I admired, my boss and the leader of the movement I had already devoted years of my life to,” she said. “The second time I was forced, against my will, and in an environment where I felt trapped.”

Both sexual encounters led to pregnancies. Huerta said she decided to keep them secret and after the children were born she gave them to families who could provide them a better life. 

One person doesn’t make the movement

Several organizations, community leaders and elected officials are sharing their sentiment of pain, frustration and shock after learning about the troubling allegations.

Yvonne Wheeler, president of Los Angeles County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, said in a statement that these reports are troubling especially for those who have long looked to the history of the labor movement for inspiration and strength.

“The labor movement has never been about one individual. It has always been and must continue to be about the collective power of working people coming together to demand dignity, fairness and justice,” she said.

The Federation emphasized their solidarity with Huerta and the women who were victimized by Chávez. 

Juan Jose Gutierrez, executive director of the Full Rights for Immigrant Coalition, said he was in shock and pain after learning of the accusations, especially of those who were minors at the time. The coalition worked along Chávez in providing legal help to farm workers. 

“We have to denounce and condemn because it doesn’t matter if it was an icon, like César Chávez, but if the evidence shows he did it. Even though he’s dead, we have to condemn his actions,” said Gutierrez.

Francisco Moreno, executive director of the Council of Mexican Federations in North America (COFEM), said Chavez's actions damage the image of Latinos, especially during this tumultuous times when the Trump administration has labeled Mexicans as rapists and murderers. 

“But I’m glad this has come to light to help all the survivors that were affected. I hope there is a deeper investigation,” he said. 

Subsequently, everything named honoring  Chávez must be removed, including city streets and avenues, schools and even the holiday honoring his birthday, said Moreno. 

Angelica Salas, executive director of CHIRLA, said the organization reaffirms the commitment to accountability and to building a movement rooted not only in justice, but in integrity.

“No individual person, regardless of their stature, is above accountability,” Salas said. “The path forward demands honesty, support for survivors, and courageous conversations to confront the painful truths that have been exposed, in an effort for a more just and equitable future.”

CHIRLA works alongside the United Farm Workers (UFW), and UFW Foundation toward justice for immigrants.  Along with them, the Cesar Chavez Foundation has carried out the legacy and history of the farm worker movement through their low-income housing, education, and community support.

Salas said the allegations are troubling, mainly because Chavez legacy has long been intertwined with the struggle for farmworker dignity and immigrant rights.  

“We stand with Dolores Huerta and the survivors — some of whom were underage children at the time of the abuse-- in this difficult time for the movement and the families involved, and we heed her call for all of us to continue to engage and support our community, which needs advocacy and activism now more than ever," Salas said.

Elected leaders stand with the survivors

L.A. Councilwoman Eunises Hernandez (CD1) said it pains her to know Huerta carried a truth buried in silence and isolation for so many decades, which speaks to the impossible choices so many survivors are forced to make.

“Patriarchy relies on silence. It tries to convince us that harm is part of the sacrifice, that our bodies are collateral in the fight for something greater. That is a lie. Real movements, the ones that truly challenge power and systems of oppression, are built on care, on accountability, on respect, on love and on the commitment to protect one another,” she said. ”I stand with Dolores, with all the survivors whose courage broke through decades of harm, and with every survivor who is still finding their way to speak.”

U.S. Senator representing California Alex Padilla said he stands with the survivors, commend them for their bravery, and condemn the abhorrent actions they described. 

“There must be zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation and the silencing of victims, no matter who is involved,” he said. “Confronting painful truths and ensuring accountability is essential to honoring the very values the greater farm worker movement stands for — values rooted in dignity and justice for all.”

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. Visit RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline for help. Call (800) 656-HOPE (4673), chat at RAINN.org/hotline or text “HOPE” at 64673.