Story perspectives

UFW Co-Founder Accuses Chavez of Sexual Abuse, Events Canceled

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), accused Cesar Chavez of sexual abuse during the 1960s after a New York Times investigation uncovered multiple allegations against him.
Huerta, now 96, recounted two incidents where she felt coerced into sex, leading to secret pregnancies.
She remained silent for decades, fearing repercussions for the farmworker movement.
The UFW canceled its participation in upcoming Chavez Day events amid widespread condemnation and calls to reassess Chavez's legacy.
The Chavez family expressed devastation over these revelations.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1965 by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta, the United Farm Workers (UFW) emerged from earlier labor movements to advocate for farmworkers' rights in California. The UFW gained national attention through successful strikes and boycotts, notably achieving a 40% wage increase for grape workers in 1970. Recent allegations against Chávez have sparked a critical reassessment of the union's legacy and its treatment of women.

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Story summary

Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), accused Cesar Chavez of sexual abuse during the 1960s after a New York Times investigation uncovered multiple allegations against him.
Huerta, now 96, recounted two incidents where she felt coerced into sex, leading to secret pregnancies.
She remained silent for decades, fearing repercussions for the farmworker movement.
The UFW canceled its participation in upcoming Chavez Day events amid widespread condemnation and calls to reassess Chavez's legacy.
The Chavez family expressed devastation over these revelations.

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