PHOENIX — The United Farm Workers union has distanced itself from annual celebrations of its founder, Cesar Chavez, amid what it said were troubling but unspecified allegations.
RELATED: Unspecified allegations against labor rights icon Cesar Chavez lead to cancellation of celebrations
In a statement Tuesday, the union said allegations of "abuse of young women or minors" were concerning enough to urge people around the country to participate in immigration justice events or acts of service instead of the typical events in March to commemorate Chavez's legacy.
Dolores Huerta, the labor activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers with Chavez, said Wednesday she was "manipulated and pressured into having sex" with him.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced that next week the Phoenix City Council will vote on a measure to rename a City holiday as well as City buildings for Cesar Chavez.
Valley leaders and government organizations are responding to the allegations.
Mayor Kate Gallego's office sent the following statement to ABC15:
"Mayor Gallego is aware of reports of serious allegations against César Chávez and is deeply alarmed by them. As we wait to have a greater understanding of the situation, she will follow the lead of the United Farm Workers and will not participate in events to mark the holiday in his honor."
Governor Katie Hobbs:
"The Governor’s Office is deeply concerned by the troubling allegations against César Chávez. As a social worker who worked with homeless youth and victims of domestic violence, Governor Hobbs takes allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior against women and minors very seriously. The Governor’s Office has decided to not recognize César Chávez Day this year. Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected."
Statement from Phoenix Union High School District:
"The Phoenix Union High School District is deeply saddened and shocked by the recent allegations against Cesar Chavez. While we don’t yet know the full impact of his alleged behavior, we stand firmly with victims of sexual abuse.
Despite the alleged egregious actions of one person, the Phoenix Union High School District remains committed to honoring the thousands of farmworkers, past and present, who organized through the United Farm Workers and beyond to secure safer working conditions and fair wages.
We are thankful for leaders such as Dolores Huerta, who continue to lead through truth-telling.
At Phoenix Union, our commitment to ensuring that our schools are safe, supportive spaces for all students, especially survivors of sexual abuse, is unwavering. We will continue to foster environments that ensure our students’ dignity is protected while feeling seen, protected, and empowered to come forward.
The District’s calendar is Governing Board-approved each year well in advance of the opening of schools. This calendar takes into consideration all state and federal school day requirements. In addition to the need for Governing Board action to remove the holiday from our calendar, we must consider student, staff, and family pre-planned personal activities on this date.
Therefore, the District will follow our approved schedule this year in order to cause the least disruption possible. Our values remain centered around student safety and dignity while receiving a high-quality education.
We look forward to working alongside our community to examine this issue further and make any necessary decisions to our calendar and our high school’s namesake in Laveen as more information comes forward."
The City of Chandler:
"Yes, the City of Chandler is proceeding with the Noche Iluminada and For Our City Day events this weekend. Both events honor our community’s tradition of coming together in service and support to empower and uplift one another. We respect the efforts of organizations like the United Farm Workers and César Chávez Foundation to address the recent allegations involving César Chávez and join others in firmly condemning any form of abuse and exploitation."
Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva:
"I am deeply troubled by recent reports of allegations of sexual abuse, including incidents involving minors, brought against Cesar E. Chavez. To the survivors: estamos con ustedes – we are with you. We hear you, we believe you, and we admire the immense courage it takes to speak out.
I know that there is a profound sense of grief in our community today that may bring mixed emotions. The betrayal of trust by a leader who had such a significant impact on our community is difficult to comprehend. It is ok to feel angry, shocked, heartbroken, saddened, confused, and dismayed – all at the same time. We still have more questions than answers. However, it is important to remember that one person does not define a movement. We, the people, are the movement.
El movimiento has always been rooted in justice, and justice demands that survivors are supported and heard. I stand with them unequivocally."
Tucson mayor Regina Romero:
"I am personally devastated by the serious abuse allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate behavior with women and minors during his time as president of the United Farmworkers of America, as reported by the Cesar Chavez Foundation. I know how important it is to make sure everyone knows help and resources are available to people who need them right now. We must believe survivors and help all heal.
My parents and other farm-working families in Somerton and across California and Arizona participated in the United Farm Workers’ fight for fair wages and better, safer working conditions in the fields. Those changes significantly improved the conditions we experienced and made a difference to me, my family and so many others.
Later, as a Council Member, I led the effort to create a City holiday to recognize that work. More recently, my council colleagues and I added Dolores Huerta's name to our local holiday, which honors workers and the Movement. Moving forward, we will consider the input of the community on how to address the name of the holiday while continuing to honor workers and acknowledging the work that still need to be done.
I hope that our community comes together at the Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair on Saturday and that we all remain committed to the ongoing fight for justice, equity and worker rights."
The Latino Caucus via Rep. Mariana Sandoval and Senator Catherine Miranda:
"We are deeply troubled by the serious allegations of sexual misconduct brought forward by civil rights leader Dolores Huerta and others. We commend their courage in sharing their story after decades of silence, and we stand firmly with her and all survivors who have come forward.
The behavior described is reprehensible and must be unequivocally condemned. There is no place in our movement, or any movement, for abuse, coercion, or the exploitation of power. We believe survivors, and we recognize the immense strength it takes to speak out.
These actions are not reflective of our community’s values. The Latino community has always been rooted in dignity, respect, justice, and the protection of the most vulnerable among us. When those principles are violated, it is our responsibility to confront the truth with honesty and accountability.
At the same time, we affirm that the farmworker movement and the broader fight for civil rights is far greater than any one individual. The progress achieved has been the result of collective action, sacrifice, resilience, and leadership from countless individuals, many of whom have upheld the highest standards of integrity.
We remain committed to continuing this work: uplifting workers, protecting women and families, and ensuring that our communities are safe, respected, and heard. Addressing harm within our history does not weaken our lucha, it strengthens it by aligning our actions with our values.
We stand with survivors. We stand for accountability. And we remain steadfast in our commitment to justice."
