A lawsuit has been filed against two nonprofits connected to labor leader Cesar Chavez by a woman who alleges she was sexually abused by him decades ago. The complaint, filed in Southern California, is the first legal action taken since allegations surrounding Chavez's alleged abuse of girls and women were reported by The New York Times in March.
The lawsuit names the César Chavez Foundation and the United Farm Workers Foundation as defendants. The plaintiffs accuse both organizations of neglecting to investigate past complaints about Chavez's conduct. Specific allegations include negligent supervision, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and sexual harassment.
The woman, who is now in her 80s, reportedly met Chavez in the Central Valley of California after graduating from college. She joined organizing efforts for farm workers and in 1973, her family was among those who moved into the compound in Keene that served as the offices for the organization now known as the United Farm Workers. According to the suit, Chavez allegedly attempted to ply her with alcohol and dance with her at a party in 1973, and later followed her to her home where she alleges he raped her. She claims Chavez assaulted her again a few years later.
The complaint asserts that the United Farm Workers Foundation and the César Chavez Foundation made "concerted efforts to hide evidence of sexual harassment and sexual assaults of girls and women by UFW members and leaders, including César Chavez." The suit also states that women within the movement who spoke about Chavez or their safety were verbally attacked by his top lieutenants and accused of attempting to undermine the movement.
Attorneys for the woman, who is proceeding anonymously as Jane Doe, stated that she was motivated to pursue civil action after learning more about the scope of Chavez's alleged abuse. "This has been a long time coming for her to take this step," said V. James DeSimone, one of her attorneys, who is representing her pro bono. "She’s committed to the process and is grateful she can legally do something about this all these years later. She suffered a lot over the years. It continues to cause her stress and anxiety." DeSimone anticipates that other survivors may come forward.
The plaintiff is seeking a jury trial and damages, including compensation for past and future earnings, as well as punitive damages.
The César Chavez Foundation acknowledged in a statement that it recently learned of the complaint. "We are reviewing with our legal counsel and will respond in a way that stays true to our mission and values." The foundation previously described the initial claims of Chavez's behavior as shocking and painful, vowing to support victims and pursue restorative justice. In March, the foundation stated, "To the survivors: we believe you. We honor your courage, and we are very sorry for the harm you have carried in the shadows for so long."
The UFW Foundation did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The United Farm Workers union, which is not a defendant in this lawsuit and operates independently, declined to comment.
Cesar Chavez, a prominent figure in the workers' rights movement, died in 1993. Following the revelations of sexual abuse allegations, his public legacy faced reevaluation, leading to the cancellation or postponement of Cesar Chavez Day celebrations and reviews of places named in his honor.