Our Statement on Cesar Chavez
STATEMENT ABOUT CESAR CHAVEZ
MARCH 2026
The recent revelations about Cesar Chavez and allegations of sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse are deeply disturbing and horrifying. As a Catholic organization, we had long honored him for his Catholic leadership and commitment to justice, but now we cannot ignore the harm and suffering inflicted upon survivors. These accounts reveal a consistent pattern of Chavez degrading women as objects and second-class citizens. This also includes undocumented immigrants whom he actively tried to deport.
We unequivocally condemn sexual violence, emotional abuse, and the structures of patriarchy that enable them. These revelations remind us that no legacy, no matter how celebrated, can excuse wrongdoing. A life of fasting, prayer, and meditation means nothing when it is accompanied by the dehumanization of women and girls.
Our hearts are with the survivors, especially Dolores Huerta, Ana Murguia, and Debra Rojas, whose courage in speaking the truth calls us to accountability, reflection, and concrete action. As people of faith, we are called to stand with the vulnerable, confront wrongdoing wherever it occurs, and pursue justice with righteousness and integrity.
“It makes you rethink in history all those heroes,” Ms. Esmeralda Lopez said. “The movement — that’s the hero." This reminds us that movements must be more than a single charismatic leader — they must be collective, leader-full, and committed to community discernment and accountability.
In that spirit, we will no longer use Cesar Chavez’s name or images in our workshops or materials. We will instead continue to honor the history and power of the United Farm Workers, as a whole.
May this moment strengthen our commitment to a Church and a society where dignity is honored, violence is condemned, and women are uplifted, protected, and fully valued in every aspect of life and in our Church.
