United Farm Workers co-founder Cesar Chavez, an iconic figure on the left, has suddenly become radioactive following rumblings of sexual misconduct involving underage girls, prompting supporters to ditch their annual observations of his March 31 birthday.
The union announced Tuesday that it will not participate in the annual Cesar Chavez Day celebration, citing “deeply troubling allegations” that the late labor activist “behaved in ways that are incompatible with our organization’s values.”
“Some of the reports are family issues, and not our story to tell or our place to comment on,” said the union in a statement. “Far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors. Allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing.”
The announcement came as annual Cesar Chavez marches and other commemorative events were hastily canceled or rebranded ahead of an anticipated disclosure of the alleged wrongdoing.
The union emphasized that it has no firsthand information about the speculation surrounding the Arizona-born Chavez, a towering figure in the labor movement who died in 1993 at age 66.
“We have not received any direct reports, and we do not have any firsthand knowledge of these allegations,” said the UFW statement. “However, the allegations are 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.”
Also taking action was the Cesar Chavez Legacy and Educational Foundation, which canceled the 2026 Cesar Chavez March in San Antonio, Texas, and the Cesar Chavez Foundation in Keene, California, site of the Cesar Chavez National Monument.
“The Cesar Chavez Foundation has 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,” said the foundation in a Tuesday statement. “We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing.”
The foundation said farmworkers’ organizations are working together 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.”
“In partnership with the UFW, we are establishing a safe and confidential process for those who wish to share their experiences of historic harm, and, if they choose to, participate in efforts toward repair and reconciliation,” said the foundation. “In addition, we are investing time and resources to ensure the Foundation promotes and strengthens a workplace culture that is safe and welcoming for all.”
The wave of cancellations and statements came in anticipation of reports that The New York Times is “preparing to publish the result of a years-long investigation into his past,” said the Tucson Sentinel, citing “sources in Tucson and Texas.”
No details have been released, but the specter of organizations founded by or named for Chavez repudiating him represents a stunning abandonment of the revered activist by some of his closest allies.
César Chávez march canceled over allegations of sexual abuse of minors https://t.co/kezCekOZzj
— Tom Sofield (@BuxMontNews) March 17, 2026
Then-President Obama declared Chavez’s birthday a federal commemorative holiday in 2014. At least nine states recognize Cesar Chavez Day on March 31, which is a state holiday in California.
President Biden issued annual proclamations honoring Chavez, praising his “extraordinary moral courage” and “unyielding faith and immovable spirit.”
“Alongside legendary activist Dolores Huerta, he founded the United Farm Workers,” said Mr. Biden’s 2024 proclamation. “Ever since beginning their work in 1962, this union has led legendary marches, strikes, and boycotts. Chavez himself knocked on doors for years and fasted for weeks on end to bring light to issues facing farm workers. Together, they made historic progress.”
Even so, Chavez was also condemned by some leftist groups for his opposition to illegal immigration from Mexico, viewing migrant laborers as a threat to union demands for higher wages and improved working conditions.
Others distancing themselves from Chavez include the Arizona Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta Holiday Coalition, which said Monday that the name of the annual event has been changed to the Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair.
