Cesar Chavez abused and raped women and girls, NYT investigation says

NPR
by Adrian Florido
March 18, 2026
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1 min read

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A New York Times investigation alleges labor icon Cesar Chavez sexually abused and raped multiple women and girls.

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A New York Times investigation has alleged that Cesar Chavez, the late labor leader, sexually abused multiple girls and raped Dolores Huerta, his longtime co-founder of the United Farm Workers union. The investigation marks the first major public accounting of sexual misconduct allegations against Chavez, a historical figure widely celebrated in Latino communities and commemorated with a federal holiday. The allegations complicate Chavez's legacy as a civil rights icon and could reshape how schools, institutions, and Latino organizations discuss his historical record.

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