In Kern County, California, a woman in her 80s who once volunteered with farm‑worker organizers has filed a civil lawsuit against two charities linked to the late labor icon César Chavez. The complaint, filed in Southern California Superior Court, names the César Chavez Foundation and the United Farm Workers Foundation as defendants.
Allegations and legal claims
The plaintiff, identified only as Jane Doe, alleges that the nonprofits neglected to investigate repeated complaints about Chavez’s conduct and that they actively concealed evidence of sexual harassment and assault involving Chavez and other United Farm Workers (UFW) leaders. The suit cites claims of negligent supervision, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and sexual harassment.
According to the filing, the plaintiff first met Chavez after moving to California’s Central Valley following college. She says she was invited to live in the UFW compound in Keene in 1973, where Chavez offered her alcohol and danced with her at a party. She alleges that Chavez later followed her home and raped her in her bedroom, and that he assaulted her again a few years later.
Response from the foundations
The César Chavez Foundation issued a statement saying it only recently became aware of the lawsuit. “We are reviewing the matter with our legal counsel and will respond in a way that stays true to our mission and values,” the foundation said.
When earlier reports of Chavez’s alleged behavior first emerged, the foundation described the accusations as “shocking and painful” and pledged to stand by survivors, promising “restorative justice.” The United Farm Workers Foundation did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and the United Farm Workers union, which operates separately from the foundation, declined to comment.
Legal context and broader impact
Attorney V. James DeSimone, representing the plaintiff on a pro bono basis, said the lawsuit seeks a jury trial and damages for past and future earnings as well as punitive damages. He added that other survivors may come forward as the case proceeds.
DeSimone, a workers‑rights lawyer who once admired Chavez, emphasized that no organization should be above the law. “Sexual abuse and assault are not the price anyone should have to pay for a cause,” he said.
The allegations have already prompted a reevaluation of public commemorations of Chavez. Earlier this year, several cities and states canceled or postponed César Chavez Day events, and some schools and streets bearing his name have been slated for renaming.
What this means for the community
The lawsuit underscores ongoing concerns about accountability within historic labor movements and raises questions about how nonprofit organizations handle allegations of misconduct. Community members and former activists are watching the case closely, hoping it will bring clarity and closure to survivors while preserving the legitimate goals of farm‑worker advocacy.
As the legal process unfolds, the foundations have indicated they will cooperate with investigators and continue their charitable work, but the outcome of the case could set a precedent for how similar organizations address past abuses.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
