This story was updated to add new information.
The United Farm Workers says it will not be taking part in any Cesar Chavez Day activities, citing “deeply troubling” allegations of the civil rights activist who co-founded the union.
“The UFW has learned of deeply troubling allegations that one of the union’s co-founders, Cesar Chavez, behaved in ways that are incompatible with our organization’s values,” the union said in a statement on Tuesday, March 17. “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 union said it does not have firsthand knowledge of the allegations, neither has it received any direct reports. However, the allegations were “serious enough that we feel compelled to take urgent steps to learn more and provide space for people who may have been victimized to find support and to share their stories if that is what they choose.”
Chavez, whose work has long been celebrated and whose name spans streets and schools in California and across the nation, died in 1993. The following year, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Bill Clinton. He is celebrated annually on March 31.
