"The first time I was manipulated and pressured into having sex with him, and I didn't feel I could say no because he was someone that I admired, my boss and the leader of the movement I had already devoted years of my life to. The second time I was forced, against my will, and in an environment where I felt trapped."
"As a women-led organization that exists to empower communities, the allegations about abusive behavior by Cesar Chavez go against everything that we stand for. These disturbing allegations involve inappropriate behavior by Cesar Chavez with young women and minors. They are shocking, indefensible and something we are taking seriously."
"I had experienced abuse and sexual violence before, and I convinced myself these were incidents that I had to endure alone and in secret. I had remained silent for six decades out of fear that her story would hurt the movement to which she has dedicated her life."
The United Farm Workers union announced the cancellation of all events celebrating labor organizer Cesar Chavez following allegations of sexual assault against multiple women and girls. A New York Times investigation documented years of similar accusations. Civil rights leader Dolores Huerta publicly disclosed that Chavez sexually assaulted her twice, resulting in pregnancies, stating she remained silent for six decades due to fear of damaging the farmworker movement. Huerta described being manipulated, pressured, and forced into sexual encounters while unable to refuse due to Chavez's position as her admired boss and movement leader. The UFW, identifying as a women-led organization, stated the allegations contradict their core values. Chavez's family expressed devastation over the revelations.
#sexual-assault-allegations #cesar-chavez #labor-movement #dolores-huerta #institutional-accountability
Read at East Bay Express | Oakland, Berkeley & Alameda
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