FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) \u2014 The Cesar Chavez Foundation says it has learned of \u201cdisturbing allegations\u201d that labor leader Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors during his time as president of the United Farm Workers of America.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing,\u201d the foundation said.<\/p>\n
The report was released on March 17th, which is also the 60th anniversary of the start of the 25-day, 300+ mile march led by Cesar Chavez and the National Farm Workers Association from Delano to Sacramento.<\/p>\n
The foundation said it is working with leaders in the farmworker movement \u201cto 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The foundation says it is \u201cinvesting time and resources to ensure the Foundation promotes and strengthens a workplace culture that is safe and welcoming for all.\u201d<\/p>\n
We ask for our community\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The Cesar Chavez Foundation said it currently impacts \u201cthe lives of millions of Latinos and working families across the Southwest\u201d through social enterprises focused on \u201cessential human, cultural, and community needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
In response to the news about Chavez, the UFW released the following statement:<\/p>\n
“The UFW has learned of deeply troubling allegations that one of the union\u2019s co-founders, Cesar Chavez, behaved in ways that are incompatible with our organization\u2019s values. Some of the reports are family issues, and not our story to tell or our place to comment on. Far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors. Allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing. We have not received any direct reports, and we do not have any firsthand knowledge of these allegations. However, the allegations are serious enough that we feel compelled to take urgent steps to learn more and provide space for people who may have been victimized to find support and to share their stories if that is what they choose.<\/p>\n
The United Farm Workers will not be taking part in any Cesar Chavez Day activities.<\/p>\n
Instead, we call on our allies and supporters to take part in immigration justice events and acts of service to support farmworkers or empower vulnerable people in their own communities.<\/p>\n
Over the coming weeks, in partnership with experts in these kinds of processes, we are working to establish an external, confidential, independent channel for those who may have experienced harm caused by Cesar Chavez during the early days of the UFW\u2019s history. This channel is for those who wish to share their experiences of harm, to identify their current impacts and needs, and, if desired, to participate in a collective process to develop mechanisms for repair and accountability.<\/p>\n
We are grateful to the support of experts who can help us seek the truth that is the first step toward healing.<\/p>\n
These allegations have been profoundly shocking. We need some time to get this right, including to ensure robust, trauma-informed services are available to those who may need it.<\/p>\n
We understand this will be tremendously painful for many and we encourage our community to seek mental health support if they experience distress.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s UFW is a modern and progressive labor union and we will seek to learn from our history.<\/p>\n
Farm workers are winning new union contracts, and the United Farm Workers is fighting to protect immigrant communities from the wage cuts, violence and attacks farm workers face today. The work to support the farm workers who feed our nation is more important than ever, and this work will continue.”<\/p>\n
Acting Fresno City Council President Nelson Esparza, District 7 released the following statement:We\u2019re stunned by the recent statement made by the UFW. These statements and the event cancellations have raised more questions than answers, and we are monitoring for any additional information that may shed light on these extremely troubling allegations of misconduct by Cesar Chavez. My heart continues to stand with every survivor of abuse in all of its forms.Councilman Miguel Arias also commented on Facebook:<\/p>\n