03/19/2026
This week, The New York Times published an investigation revealing that Cesar Chavez groomed and sexually abused girls who worked in the farm worker movement, some of them children at the time.
Our team at CACHI, and many across the ACH network, are grappling with a range of emotions right now—anger, shock, grief, disappointment, and for some, a painful, unsurprising confirmation of what they already knew or suspected.
We stand with the three survivors who came forward publicly—Dolores Huerta, Ana Murguía, and Debra Rojas—and are grateful for their willingness to share what happened. This is a profound act of courage, one that gives us the chance to see more clearly.
We also stand with the unnamed survivors, and all who have not had the platform or opportunity to speak.
Sexual violence and abuses of power are not new in movements aimed toward justice. This begs the question: how do we hold people accountable? How do we stop the pattern where power shields perpetrators from accountability? And how do we ensure that community members are intentionally and consistently protected?
Yesterday, the ¡Sí Se Puede! Collective, in partnership with community leaders from East San José, shared the following in a joint statement:
“We are heartbroken. We are outraged. And we are clear: what has been revealed is not acceptable. Our hearts are with the survivors who have come forward after decades of silence, carrying the weight of harm that should never have been theirs to bear. We believe you. We stand with you. And we support your healing in whatever form it takes. Accountability matters, and reparations are due.”
We echo these words. If we do not pursue accountability and reparations for harm—especially within movements that claim equity—we risk perpetuating violence and leaving more survivors to suffer in isolation.
The United Farm Workers movement was built by a community of caring people who showed up every day in a shared fight for dignity, justice, and fairness. That’s the inspiration we will carry forward, with even greater urgency to make sure our communities are protected and heard.
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If you or someone you know needs support, here are resources:
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (or online chat)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (or online chat)
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 (or text)
