Statement from UnidosUS on Allegations Against Cesar Chavez

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WASHINGTON DC — The following is UnidosUS’s reaction to the allegations made against Cesar Chavez in a report today by The New York Times:

“We are shocked and appalled by the extremely disturbing allegations made against Cesar Chavez. Our thoughts are with all the victims, named and unnamed. Their stories must be taken seriously, and the victims need to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.

“This is a profoundly sad and devastating moment for our community and for everyone who admired and took inspiration from Chavez’s life and work. We want to commend and express support for our Affiliates, the Cesar Chavez Foundation and La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), and our longtime partner the United Farm Workers, for taking swift and constructive action to focus on — and provide mental health and other assistance to — victims in the face of these allegations. We must reaffirm that no one, no matter how revered, is above the law. As such, we call for these allegations to be thoroughly investigated and if confirmed, justice must be served.

“UnidosUS stands with the victims as we continue to fight for dignity, justice and the civil rights of the Latino community in the U.S.”