SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — There is growing local reaction throughout San Diego County following sexual abuse allegations against labor leader Cesar Chavez, who built a legacy organizing farmworkers and fighting for Latino civil rights.

“With these disturbing allegations of what he did to Dolores and what he did to minors, I mean, that is unacceptable. We cannot continue as a society to allow these people to do what they’re doing and with impunity,” said District 1 County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre.

Aguirre’s comments followed bombshell allegations made in a recent New York Times report, which accuses the late Cesar Chavez of abusing girls for years and raping United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta in the 60s and 70s, which resulted in two pregnancies.

The 95-year-old, who was in San Diego last October as part of a speaking tour, broke her silence in a statement Wednesday after decades of trying to protect the movement by keeping her experience private.

“It’s heartbreaking, really, to know that Dolores Huerta had been carrying this pain for so long,” said Aguirre.

Chavez’s family recently also issued the following statement: “Our family is devastated by today’s New York Times article about our father Cesar Chavez. This is deeply painful for our family. We wish peace and healing to the survivors and commend their courage to come forward.

“As a family steeped in the values of equity and justice, we honor the voices of those who feel unheard and who report sexual abuse. We carry our own memories of the person we knew. Someone whose life included work and contributions that matter deeply to many people. We remain committed to farmworkers and the causes he and countless others championed and continue to champion. We ask for understanding and privacy as we continue to process this difficult information.”

However, Chavez’s legacy is honored in many ways across San Diego. From a mural at Chicano Park in Barrio Logan, to schools named after him, to a street, a park, and a March 31st holiday observed statewide since 1995 and nationwide since 2014.

“I am calling for the federal government to completely remove the Cesar Chavez day and uplift Dolores Huerta’s work and all the women’s voices that have been silenced,” said Aguirre while explaining her calls to change the holiday to honor Huerta rather than Chavez.

Meanwhile, San Diego Unified Board of Education and Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. issued the following statement:

“There is no place—ever—for the abuse of children or any person, anywhere. San Diego Unified is committed to supporting our community through this moment by creating the space and structure for thoughtful, respectful conversations—grounded in truth, centered on students, and responsive to those most impacted.

While Cesar Chavez has long been honored for his contributions to civil rights and farmworker advocacy, these reports are serious, concerning and deeply troubling. Our first responsibility is to acknowledge and support anyone who may have been harmed. As we move forward, including conversations about a school that bears his name, our focus will be on listening deeply to better understand the impact to the school community and how we might collectively move forward in a way that prioritizes student safety and a sense of belonging.”

The San Diego Community College District shared a separate statement:
“The San Diego Community College District is aware of emerging allegations of sexual misconduct involving César Chávez, a labor leader who has deep ties within California and the San Diego community. These reports are deeply concerning, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted. SDCCD is committed to providing a safe, respectful environment for all, and we do not tolerate sexual misconduct or abuse of any kind.

“At this time, the District is reviewing its planned participation in César Chávez Day activities as well as its broader connection to Chávez, including the naming of the César E. Chávez Campus in Barrio Logan. As we assess current and new information, SDCCD will prioritize feedback from our community and upholding our values of safety, dignity, and respect for all.”

Southwestern College is also cancelling an upcoming UFW scholarship event.

“If school names, if park names, if days, if festivities, holidays need to change, that’s what we need to do,” said Aguirre.

CSU San Marcos is also covering up a statue of Chavez on campus.

“The movement will not cease to exist if anything, it’ll be stronger because we are holding people accountable,” said Aguirre.

Mayor Todd Gloria issued the following statement in response to abuse allegations involving Cesar Chavez: “The allegations of abuse involving Cesar Chavez are shocking and disturbing. Our first concern must be with the survivors who have come forward and those who were unable to do so.

“Their courage in speaking out — often at great personal cost — ought to be recognized, respected, and supported. The hard-fought progress the farmworker-rights movement has achieved over the past six decades is a collective accomplishment. Generations of organizers and workers have advanced dignity, safety, and fairness in the fields, improving lives across our state and nation. That legacy belongs to the movement and to the people who carried it forward.”

So far, no formal plans have been announced by any city officials, institutions, or organizations to change the name of anything named after Cesar Chavez.

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