Last updated: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 8:04PM GMT
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Cesar Chavez, the late farmworker organizer who became a national civil rights icon and co-founded the United Farm Workers, is accused of abusing “young women or minors.”
The accusations have caused multiple events celebrating the labor leader to be canceled.
Cesar Chavez Day in multiple states is celebrated on March 31.
LIST: Central Valley locations named after Cesar Chavez as abuse allegations put legacy in spotlight
The serious allegations against Mexican American icon Cesar Chavez are sending shockwaves through communities and leaving questions about what happens to the dozens of institutions and landmarks named after him in the Central Valley, California and across the country.
Amid the abuse allegations, the legacy of the labor leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers Association will now be reexamined. The union has already said it will not celebrate the day named in his honor.
Click here for the full list of local Central Valley parks, libraries, schools and streets named after Chavez.
Cesar Chavez statue at Fresno State to be removed, president says
Plans are now underway for the Cesar Chavez statue at Fresno State to be removed.
Currently, the statue has been covered on campus, a decision that was made by president Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.
The statue has been up since 1996, after his death in 1993, as a way of honoring the labor leader.
Following the recent sexual assault accusations, Jiménez-Sandoval said, “These profoundly troubling claims about the rape of women and minors call for our full attention and moral reckoning by removing his statue from our campus.
The president continued by saying he will work with the Peace Garden committee for the next steps.
Chavez family releases updated statement after sexual assault allegations
The family of Cesar Chavez has released an updated statement following sexual assault allegations against the labor leader.
“Our family is devasted 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.”
Cesar Chavez statue at Fresno State covered amid allegations
The Cesar Chavez statue at Fresno State has been covered up following allegations of sexual assaults against the labor leader and civil rights activist.
Sources tell Action News the decision was made by Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.
The university released a statement, saying, “Fresno State is aware of the recent reports regarding allegations involving César Chávez. Our university recognizes the enduring impact of the farmworker movement in the Central Valley and its significance in advancing labor rights, dignity and opportunity for generations of workers. We are closely monitoring developments and remain committed to engaging thoughtfully with our community, guided by our shared values of respect, accountability and learning.”
Fresno councilmember to propose restoring former street names along Cesar Chavez Boulevard
Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias says he plans to bring forward a motion March 26 to rename Cesar Chavez Boulevard back to its former street names.
Arias was one of the most vocal proponents of the original renaming, which created a single, continuous Cesar Chavez Boulevard stretching just over 10 miles through the heart of Fresno and connecting West Fresno with downtown.
The move comes after recent reports have raised serious allegations about Chavez, accusing late labor leader and civil rights activist of sexually abusing women, including minors and fellow leader Dolores Huerta, who came forward to say the repeated sexual assaults led to pregnancies and multiple children.
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