Newly reported allegations of sexual abuse committed by late labor leader Cesar Chavez are sending shockwaves through Latino communities, including at Delta College, where one of his closest allies — and a victim — once studied.
A New York Times investigation, based on interviews with more than 60 people and supported by documents and archival records, details allegations from multiple women, including some who say they were minors at the time of the alleged abuse in the 1970s.
Ana Murguia and Debra Rojas, who were 13 and 12 at the time, allege Chavez abused them over several years while they were connected to the United Farm Workers movement.
In a public statement released March 18, Dolores Huerta, now 96, said she remained silent for decades out of concern for the farmworker movement, but chose to speak following the Times’ investigation.
She described experiencing “two separate sexual encounters” with Chavez in the 1960s, both nonconsensual.
“I can no longer stay silent and must share my own experiences,” Huerta said. She added that she identifies as “a survivor of violence, of sexual abuse,” and emphasized that Chavez’s alleged actions “do not reflect the values of our community and our movement.”
The allegations have prompted immediate fallout, including the cancellation of Cesar Chavez Day events by the United Farm Workers Foundation.
For communities like Delta College, where Huerta’s legacy as both a civil rights icon and alumna is part of the institution’s history, the revelations present a complex and deeply personal reckoning, one that forces a confrontation between Chavez’s contributions to farmworker rights and the harm he is now accused of causing.
Delta College student Peter Espitia, a digital media major, said they first learned about the allegations in class and described the news as “shocking.”
“We all just kind of stopped,” Espitia said. “It sucks, because I know that Dolores Huerta said she didn’t want to speak out because she didn’t want it to affect the movement. That’s devastating to me.”
Chavez is widely recognized for co-founding the United Farm Workers and leading national efforts to improve wages and working conditions for farmworkers. Through boycotts, marches and hunger strikes, he became one of the most prominent figures in the Latino civil rights movement.
Chavez died in 1993, and his legacy is commemorated through schools, streets and an annual state holiday in California.
United Farm Workers Foundation and the Cesar Chavez Foundation condemned the alleged actions in public statements, calling them “shocking” and “indefensible.”
The UFW Foundation said it has canceled all Cesar Chavez Day events this month.
The Cesar Chavez Foundation said it was “deeply saddened” and is working with movement leaders to support those who may have been harmed, including establishing a confidential process for individuals to share their experiences.
At Delta, Chavez’s legacy is visible across campus. A metal relief of Chavez is installed outside the bookstore, along the side of the Goleman Library facing the bookstore. His words are also featured in the Campesino Forum and a mural honoring him is displayed inside the Goleman Library.
On Wednesday morning, a white piece of paper reading “Believe women and children” was placed over the plaque beneath the relief, appearing to reflect a response to the allegations.
Professor Adriana Brogger, a digital media faculty member at Delta College and part of the Chicanx/Latinx Faculty group, said the allegations have left many in the community grappling with grief and reflection.
“There is devastation and sadness,” Brogger said. “People are struggling with this information.”
She said there is also a strong sense of support for those coming forward.
“There is a profound sense of standing with victims and believing women and children,” she said.
Brogger emphasized that the farmworker movement extended beyond any one individual.
“The movement was comprised of many people,” she said. “It was never about one person.”
She added that the moment may prompt institutions like Delta College to reflect on how historical figures are represented.
“As information becomes available, we need to thoughtfully review how people are represented,” she said.
Delta College officials said the allegations have prompted internal discussions and acknowledged the impact on the campus community.
In a campuswide message, college leadership described the allegations as “deeply troubling” and said the news may be “upsetting, confusing, or painful” for students and employees. The college also expressed support for those affected, including Dolores Huerta, who visited campus in recent months.
“We know this is the beginning of important and difficult conversations on how best to move forward,” the statement said.
Alex Breitler, Director of Marketing and Communications, said the college is aware of the reports and has begun preliminary discussions. While it is too early to determine specific outcomes, he said there is an established process for reviewing campus naming and memorials.
According to college policy, students or employees may request changes to facility names or monuments through a formal application reviewed by the Heritage Committee.
Breitler added that while Cesar Chavez Day remains on the calendar as a state holiday, the college will monitor any potential action at the state level regarding its designation.
Across the country, institutions and officials are beginning to respond to the allegations. Fresno State University draped black fabric over a statue of Cesar Chavez, while the U.S. Department of Labor removed his portrait and covered his name at its Washington headquarters. In California, the state Legislature canceled its annual celebration honoring Chavez, which had been scheduled for next week.
State leaders are also reconsidering how Chavez is publicly commemorated. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he is in discussions with lawmakers about the future of Cesar Chavez Day on March 31.
“Every year, the governor of California proclaims Cesar Chavez Day in the state,” Newsom said, shaking his head. “None of us knew. We’re going to have to reflect.”
