César Chavez nonprofits sued over alleged failure to stop sexual abuse

A former volunteer has filed a lawsuit in Kern County Superior Court against the César Chavez Foundation and the United Farm Workers Foundation. The complaint, filed on behalf of a Jane Doe, alleges that these nonprofits failed to investigate long-standing complaints regarding sexual abuse by the late labor leader César Chavez.

The lawsuit cites several violations, including negligent supervision, sexual harassment, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiff, a woman currently in her 80s, alleges that Chavez raped her in 1973 after she moved to California’s Central Valley to organize farm workers.

Legal representatives stated that the plaintiff was motivated to seek civil action after learning about the broader scope of alleged abuse involving women and girls, including labor figure Dolores Huerta. Attorneys indicated they expect other survivors may come forward following this legal action.