FUSD withdraws from Cesar Chavez celebration amid allegations of abuse against civil rights leader

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Shocking allegations have been made against adored labor leader Cesar Chavez.

United Farm Workers announced Monday it is aware of what it calls "deeply troubling" allegations against co-founder Cesar Chavez.

In a statement, the union references reports of family issues and allegations of abuse involving young women and minors.

The Cesar Chavez Foundation also released a statement, calling them "disturbing allegations," and saying Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors during his time as president of the UFW.

Chavez has long been revered in the Central Valley for his contributions to farmworker rights.

Co-founding the UFW in 1966, the union is widely recognized as the first farmworker union to achieve long-term success and national recognition.

Chavez also led major acts of activism, such as the Delano Grape Strike, which spanned five years.

A statue of Chavez sits on Fresno State's campus, surrounded by other civil rights icons such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr.

Engraved on the statue is a quote from Chavez, reading in part, "It is how we use our lives that defines the men we are."

Now, the very union Chavez helped build is condemning his alleged actions.

In its statement, the UFW wrote in part, "The United Farm Workers will not be taking part in any Cesar Chavez Day activities."

The troubling accusations come less than two weeks before Chavez's birthday, which is nationally recognized and typically comes with numerous celebrations.

But across the state, there has been an immediate response, with dozens of organizations cancelling their celebrations, including the Fresno Unified School District, which unveiled a massive mural of Chavez just three years ago.

The district has cancelled its march scheduled for Wednesday, March 18.

United Farm Workers says it has not received any direct reports and does not have firsthand knowledge of the allegations.

However, the union says it plans to provide resources for anyone who may have been victimized by Cesar Chavez.