Fri, April 24, 2026 at 3:54 PM UTC

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The community came together Thursday to discuss and process the allegations of sexual violence made against late labor leader Cesar Chavez.

Cal State Bakersfield hosted the town hall on campus with hopes of collective healing and understanding.

This after multiple reports from alleged victims, including former colleague and United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta.

Organizers say the revelations surrounding Chavez have had a strong impact on the students and the community as a whole.

Cesar Chavez family releases statement following sexual assault, abuse allegations

“Here in Bakersfield, where much of the movement was based, and where many of the survivors from the story still live. And so for us there’s an added importance to try to offer healing in the community where these allegations allegedly took place,” Jose Villagran, a professor in the Ethnic Studies department at CSUB said.

The community shared conversations of hopes and healing.

The town hall was an opportunity to shine light on the farmworker movement, past and present.

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