Last updated: Thursday, March 19, 2026 6:25AM 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.
Mar 18, 2026, 7:34 PM GMT
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.”
Mar 18, 2026, 7:30 PM GMT
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.
Click here for the full story.
Mar 18, 2026, 7:03 PM GMT
Arizona will not recognize Cesar Chavez holiday this year
Arizona will not recognize Cesar Chavez Day this year amid recent allegations against the late labor leader, the governor’s office confirmed to ABC News in a statement.
“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,” a spokesperson said. “The Governor’s Office has decided not to recognize César Chávez Day this year. Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected.”
ByJohn Quinones, James Hill, James Scholz, Laura Romero and Armando Garcia 
Mar 18, 2026, 7:33 PM GMT
‘I can no longer stay silent’: Dolores Huerta alleges sexual assault by Cesar Chavez
Dolores Huerta, the labor activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez, said Wednesday she was “manipulated and pressured into having sex” with him.
Huerta’s statement to ABC News comes in response to a New York Times article on allegations that Chavez, the late farmworker organizer who became a national civil rights icon, abused women and minors.
Dolores Huerta, the labor activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez, said she was “manipulated and pressured into having sex” with him.
Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers with Chavez in 1962, work that led to the first farmworker union contracts in U.S. history.
Click here for the full story.