Sexual abuse allegations against the late civil rights activist and icon is putting Arizona cities, and even the state, in the spotlight over how they plan to celebrate Cesar Chavez Day.
The allegations — that Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and girls — were first reported by the New York Times, less than two weeks before Cesar Chavez Day on March 31.
Gov. Katie Hobbs’s press secretary told KJZZ that her office will not recognize the holiday this year.
Across the Valley, Chavez’s name is on schools, parks and public spaces.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Phoenix City Council announced the members will vote March 25 on renaming the city holiday and buildings and removing street signs currently named for Chavez after the reports.
In a statement, Mayor Kate Gallego said there is a duty to honor the dignity of survivors.
Phoenix City Councilwoman Laura Pastor said “we have a responsibility to take a look at how we honor this legacy, including our recognition of Cesar Chavez Day.”
Councilwoman Ann O’Brien echoed that, calling for an open and deliberate review of the holiday.
Tempe announced Wednesday that it will rename the March 31 holiday in the city.
Arizona officials react to Cesar Chavez allegations
Arizona Governor's Office
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.
Phoenix Councilwoman Ann O'Brien
The allegations reported by the New York Times regarding Cesar Chavez are disturbing and cannot be ignored. Phoenix has long recognized Chavez for his contributions to labor rights and civil rights, but honoring a legacy cannot come at the expense of the dignity and truth of those who came forward. I will work with my colleagues to begin an open and deliberate review of Cesar Chavez Day and the Cesar Chavez Plaza to ensure that the way we commemorate figures in our public spaces reflects our community's values of justice and accountability.
Phoenix Councilwoman Laura Pastor
I am deeply troubled by the recent reports and serious allegations involving civil rights activist and founder of the National Farm Workers Association, Cesar Chavez.
Like many families in Arizona, mine comes from working-class roots. My grandparents were miners in Globe and Miami, and I grew up understanding the importance of the fight for workers' rights from a young age.
These allegations, which have been publicly acknowledged by the Cesar Chavez Foundation and the United Farm Workers, are serious and should not be ignored.
As a City, we have a responsibility to take a look at how we honor this legacy, including our recognition of Cesar Chavez Day.
Our community deserves a thoughtful and careful approach to how we honor this legacy moving forward."
Cesar Chavez Foundation
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 (UFW).
We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing.
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.
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. 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.
We ask for our community’s patience as we learn more. Throughout this process, our organization and our partners in the movement will continue our work together to protect and uplift the families and communities that we serve.
Today, the Cesar Chavez Foundation impacts the lives of millions of Latinos and working families across the Southwest by inspiring and transforming communities through social enterprises that address essential human, cultural, and community needs.
Arizona Latino Legislative Caucus co-chairs state Rep. Mariana Sandoval and Sen. 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.
Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego
Today’s reports are shocking and disappointing about a leader that I for many years had looked up to, like so many Latinos growing up in the U.S.
But as I have said many times this year—no one, no matter how powerful, is above accountability, especially when it comes to abusing young women.
The farmworkers’ movement has always been bigger than any one man. It belongs to the thousands of hardworking people who have spent decades on the front lines fighting for the dignity of agricultural workers. We have to keep that fight going, especially now, when our community is under constant attack.
I want to recognize the incredible bravery of the women who came forward to share their stories of abuse. It takes immense strength to speak truth to power, and we owe it to them to ensure that our movement is defined by accountability and justice for everyone.
Arizona Rep. Adelita 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.
