César Chavez Nonprofits Sued Over Decades-Old Abuse Allegations

A former volunteer has taken legal action against nonprofits associated with the late Latino labor leader César Chavez, alleging she was sexually abused by him decades ago and that the organizations failed to address such complaints. The lawsuit, filed last week in Southern California's Kern County Superior Court, marks the first legal challenge since explosive allegations against Chavez were reported earlier this year.

The complaint, filed on behalf of a "Jane Doe," names the César Chavez Foundation and the United Farm Workers Foundation as defendants. It accuses both organizations of numerous violations, including negligent supervision, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and sexual harassment, for their alleged failure to investigate complaints about Chavez over the years.

The woman, now in her 80s, decided to pursue civil court action after learning about the wider scope of Chavez's alleged abuse against girls and women, including labor figure Dolores Huerta. Her attorney, V. James DeSimone, stated that this legal step has been "a long time coming" for his client, who has suffered significant stress and anxiety over the years.

DeSimone also indicated that he anticipates other abuse survivors may come forward.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff first met Chavez after graduating college and moving to California's Central Valley, inspired to join the farm worker organizing movement. In 1973, she and her family moved into the compound in Keene, which served as the offices for the organization now known as the United Farm Workers.

She alleges that Chavez attempted to ply her with alcohol and dance with her at a party that year, later following her home and raping her in a bedroom.

The Associated Press, in line with its policy, does not name victims or survivors of sexual assault and abuse unless they choose to come forward publicly. This lawsuit sheds light on deeply troubling allegations connected to a revered figure in American labor history, prompting questions about accountability and institutional responsibility.

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