Civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, a co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union alongside Cesar Chavez, has come forward with allegations of sexual assault against Chavez in the 1960s. Huerta revealed her story following a recent New York Times investigation that exposed a broader pattern of sexual misconduct accusations against Chavez, who passed away in 1993.

Huerta, now 96 years old, disclosed that she kept the secret for years to focus on advancing labor rights through the union. She expressed her commitment to the movement and stated that forming the union was crucial for securing farm worker rights, despite the challenges faced.

Although unaware of Chavez’s misconduct towards other women, Huerta strongly denounced his actions, emphasizing that the farm worker movement transcends any individual. She emphasized that the values of the community and the movement are not reflected in Chavez’s behavior.

The Chavez family responded to the allegations without denial, expressing devastation over the revelations. They acknowledged the courage of the survivors who came forward and highlighted the positive contributions Chavez made during his life. The National Chavez Center, managed by Andres Chavez, one of his grandchildren, released a statement addressing the situation.

In light of the allegations, the UFW has canceled planned celebrations for Chavez, and some cities have called off or renamed events organized in his honor. Various U.S. Latino groups swiftly condemned Chavez’s actions, advocating for alternatives to commemorate the farm workers’ struggle.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, reacting to the news, emphasized the significance of the farmworker movement beyond any single individual. He urged for reflection on the matter and refrained from committing to changes regarding the state holiday dedicated to Chavez at the end of the month.

It has been announced that the Cesar Chavez Foundation will collaborate with the UFW to establish confidential channels for individuals who may have been impacted by Chavez to share their experiences and seek support. The movement continues to be a symbol of labor, social, economic, and racial justice, as reiterated by Newsom.