Cesar Chavez events canceled, suspended amid allegation of sexual abuse by 1960s labor union icon

Events celebrating the life of labor leader Cesar Chavez have been canceled amid claims that he sexually abused young women or minors, according to the union he co-founded.

Chavez in the 1960s co-founded the United Farm Workers, which was the first successful union representing farm laborers. He led major strikes and boycotts that achieved better compensation and conditions for workers who performed hard labor for little pay, before dying in 1993 at 66 years old. 

The labor union and the Cesar Chavez Foundation said Tuesday that they were holding off on having marches in California honoring Chavez after being made aware of the allegations, the New York Post reported.

The foundation said it was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the allegations, which are expected to be fully published in the weeks ahead.

“We have 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,” the foundation said in a statement.

“The Foundation is working with leaders in the Farmworker Movement to be responsive to these allegations, support the people who may have been harmed by his actions, and ensure we are united and guided by our commitment to justice and community empowerment.”

At the foundations' request, events in Chavez’s name were canceled or renamed in Tucson, Ariz., San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas, Lansing, Mich., and across California. The events are often scheduled around Chavez’s birthday on March 31.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero (D) said she was “personally devastated” by the allegations regarding Chavez.

“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 needs to be done,” Romero said.

A spokesperson for the city of San Antonio told the Post that the César E. Chávez Legacy & Educational Foundation will not host an event in the city this year.

There are roughly 125 places named after Chavez nationwide – including schools, roads, parks and community centers. Roughly half are in California. In 2012, under the Obama administration, a naval ship was renamed after Chavez, who served in the Navy, 1946-1948.

Former President Joe Biden displayed a bronze bust of Chavez in the Oval Office.