Statement from the Cesar Chavez Foundation

Today's revelations about Cesar Chavez and his sexual abuse of women and underage minors are shocking, incredibly disappointing, and deeply painful. This goes completely against our commitment to justice and community empowerment.

To the survivors: we believe you. We honor your courage, and we are very sorry for the harm you have carried in the shadows for so long.

The Cesar Chavez Foundation acknowledges the prevalence of the abuse of women and children. We are committed to restorative justice and healing for those who have been harmed, and to ensure our organization reflects the dignity and safety every person deserves. We are working with leaders in the field of sexual abuse and trauma. With their help, we will figure out the best ways to support this work through the Foundation and be part of the broader solution to raise awareness and prevent mistreatment of women, especially in the communities we advocate for.

The Movement was never about one man; it belonged to the people who built it, and it belongs to the communities we continue to serve today. The Movement was built by thousands of ordinary women, men, and families from all walks of life who sacrificed for justice they believed in. Their contributions and the communities they transformed, belong to all of them. They cannot and will not be erased.

Although these revelations change how we remember Cesar Chavez as a person, it does not change our commitment to social justice and community empowerment.

Today, our organization is carried by hundreds of women and men dedicated to our mission of inspiring and transforming communities. Our work centers on serving people through affordable housing, education, economic opportunity, and community development.

With the full support of the Chavez Family, we are actively engaging in a necessary conversation about our organization's identity; one which we will approach with the seriousness, community input, and care it deserves.

We invite our partners and community members to join us in this critical moment to uplift our core values.

Healing La Causa

Thousands of farm workers and supporters helped build the Union and La Causa.

The Cesar Chavez Foundation (CCF) and the UFW has asked Working IDEAL, in partnership with the East Los Angeles Women's Center, to provide options for people to confidentially share their experiences of sexual abuse and/or other harm by Cesar Chavez, if they wish to do so.

You can visit https://www.workingideal.com/healinglacausa to learn about these options, seek assistance and dedicated resources, and learn about ways the CCF wants to offer support and healing reconciliation.

The CCF is committed to creating a dedicated space for healing, reflection, and open dialogue. To ensure this process remains focused on reconciliation and personal restoration, participation in these sessions is intended for restorative purposes only. These conversations are shared in the spirit of transparency and do not constitute a legal admission or a waiver of any rights, defenses, or protections by the CCF. Our goal is to listen and learn as we move toward a shared brighter future for La Causa.

Healing La Causa - community and healing

Access the Healing La Causa Portal ->

Press inquiries can be sent to pressinquiries@chavezfoundation.org.