Across the country, civil rights groups seek to distance themselves from César Chavez

Civil rights groups across the country are distancing themselves from César Chavez, the legendary farmworker organizer, prompting difficult internal conversations about how to reckon with his legacy. Supporters are grappling with conflicted feelings as they decide whether and how to honor Chavez's foundational role in the farmworker movement while addressing concerns that have emerged about his record. The shift reflects broader reckoning within progressive movements about historical figures whose accomplishments coexist with problematic actions or statements. These organizations face the challenge of preserving Chavez's contributions to labor rights and immigrant advocacy without uncritically endorsing every aspect of his leadership.