Texas cities have scrapped Cesar Chavez Day events as the United Farm Workers pulls back amid fresh allegations against the labor leader.
The union cited newly surfaced claims of inappropriate sexual behavior involving women and minors as reason enough to “provide space for those who may have been victimized.” It added, “The United Farm Workers will not be taking part in any Cesar Chavez Day activities.”
Organizers canceled celebrations in Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi—the March 31 holiday marks Cesar Chavez’s birthday.
In Fort Worth, the Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta Committee of Tarrant County plans to hold its “NO KINGS. NO ICE” event. City officials have reportedly confirmed the permit for the event remains active.
A Dolores Huerta representative offered no immediate comment but promised a statement soon.
The Cesar Chavez Foundation announced it had “Become aware of disturbing allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors during his time as President of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW).” The group said it was “deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing.”
The claims emerged 32 years after Chavez’s death. They involve sexual misconduct, including at least one possible criminal matter, though details on timing, places, victims, and ages remain vague, according to available statements.
Chavez co-founded the United Farm Workers in the early 1960s alongside Dolores Huerta.
The union called the reports “crushing,” noting: “Some of the reports are family issues, and not our story to tell or our place to comment on. Far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors.”
The group continued, “We have not received any direct reports, and we do not have any firsthand knowledge of these allegations.”
