Sexual abuse allegations against César Chávez alter plans

SAN JOSE: About 300 janitors rally for Cesar Chavez Day; higher minimum wage

About 300 janitors rallied in downtown San Jose to mark Cesar Chavez Day in support of a higher minimum wage statewide and called for stronger protections in the workplace.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Allegations of sexual misconduct have surfaced involving the late farm labor leader César Chávez, including accusations involving women and minors.

In a letter released Tuesday, the Cesar Chavez Foundation said the alleged behavior occurred while Chavez was president of the United Farm Workers (UFW), which he co-founded.

Foundation responds to allegations

What they're saying:

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing," the foundation said. "The Foundation is working with leaders in the Farmworker Movement to 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."

The foundation did not provide additional details about the allegations.

Union pulls César Chávez Day participation

Dig deeper:

The UFW also released a statement saying it has learned of "deeply troubling allegations," including reports involving family matters, and will not participate in any Cesar Chavez Day activities.

"Far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors," the union said. "Allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing."

The union said it has not received any direct reports and does not have firsthand knowledge of the incidents.

"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," the union said.

Events canceled

What's next:

The statements follow a report from KIII in Corpus Christi, where a local committee planning a Cesar Chavez celebration canceled the event after a source came forward with information regarding what were described as "sensitive matters" involving Chavez.

According to the report, further details are expected to be published in The New York Times in April.

In the Bay Area, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said the city is reassessing its involvement in any Chávez Day events, though a decision has not yet been made.

"While we will always support better working conditions for the farmworkers who feed this country, we are deeply disturbed by these serious allegations," Mahan said. "Given Chavez’s ties to San José, we want to ensure we are not further traumatizing anyone who may have experienced harm, and are reassessing city involvement in events associated with the state holiday until we learn more."