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State and federal lawmakers react to Cesar Chavez allegations

5pm Coverage (State Rep. Sandoval's statement)
4pm Coverage (Sen. Gallego's statement)
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today at 12:54 PM
Published 3:34 PM

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Lawmakers across the country are sharing their reaction to the abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez.

The allegations against Chavez surfaced Tuesday, with the Cesar Chavez Foundation issuing a statement saying they are deeply shocked and saddened by the allegations.

The UFW also released a statement saying it has not received direct reports, and does not have any first-hand knowledge of the allegation.

In the statement, they also said they will not take part in any Cesar Chavez Day activities on March 31.

In a statement Wednesday, labor leader Dolores Huerta responded to the allegations against Chavez saying she had two non-consensual "sexual encounters" with him that ended in pregnancy.

The Arizona Latino Legislative Caucus issued the following statement regarding the allegations saying:

"We are deeply troubled by the serious allegations of sexual misconduct brought forward by civil rights leader Dolores Huerta and others. We commend their courage in sharing their story after decades of silence, and we stand firmly with her and all survivors who have come forward.

The behavior described is reprehensible and must be unequivocally condemned. There is no place in our movement, or any movement, for abuse, coercion, or the exploitation of power. We believe survivors, and we recognize the immense strength it takes to speak out.

These actions are not reflective of our community’s values. The Latino community has always been rooted in dignity, respect, justice, and the protection of the most vulnerable among us. When those principles are violated, it is our responsibility to confront the truth with honesty and accountability.

At the same time, we affirm that the farmworker movement and the broader fight for civil rights is far greater than any one individual. The progress achieved has been the result of collective action, sacrifice, resilience, and leadership from countless individuals, many of whom have upheld the highest standards of integrity.

We remain committed to continuing this work: uplifting workers, protecting women and families, and ensuring that our communities are safe, respected, and heard. Addressing harm within our history does not weaken our lucha, it strengthens it by aligning our actions with our values.

We stand with survivors. We stand for accountability. And we remain steadfast in our commitment to justice."

Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) also issued the following statement regarding the allegations saying:

"Today's reports are shocking and disappointing about a leader that I for many years had looked up to, like so many Latinos growing up in the U.S.  

But as I have said many times this year—no one, no matter how powerful, is above accountability, especially when it comes to abusing young women.  

The farmworkers' movement has always been bigger than any one man. It belongs to the thousands of hardworking people who have spent decades on the front lines fighting for the dignity of agricultural workers. We have to keep that fight going, especially now, when our community is under constant attack.

I want to recognize the incredible bravery of the women who came forward to share their stories of abuse. It takes immense strength to speak truth to power, and we owe it to them to ensure that our movement is defined by accountability and justice for everyone."

Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) issued a statement on the allegations saying in part, "I am deeply troubled by recent reports of allegations of sexual abuse, including incidents involving minors, brought against Cesar E. Chavez. To the survivors: estamos con ustedes – we are with you. We hear you, we believe you, and we admire the immense courage it takes to speak out."

In addition, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued a statement on the allegations saying:

"These are heartbreaking, horrific accounts of abuse. I stand with the survivors, commend them for their bravery in sharing their stories, and condemn the abhorrent actions they described. The survivors deserve to be heard. They deserve to be supported. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

There must be zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, and the silencing of victims, no matter who is involved.

Confronting painful truths and ensuring accountability is essential to honoring the very values the greater farm worker movement stands for — values rooted in dignity and justice for all."

California Assemblywoman Alexandria Macedo (R-Tulare) said she has introduced Assembly Bill 2407, a legislation to rename Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworker Day.

"Farmworkers are essential to our everyday lives – from the food we eat to the economy we enjoy," said Assemblywoman Macedo. "The fight for dignity in the fields was never about one person – it is about the millions of workers who sweat, toil and aspire for a better life."

Other lawmakers also shared their reaction to the allegations against Chavez:

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