Chandler Removes Chávez Name From Events Amid Abuse Allegations

City distances itself from labor activist after claims of sexual abuse and assault surface

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:05am

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The City of Chandler, Arizona has removed the name of labor rights activist César Chávez from two of its upcoming community events, Noche Iluminada and For Our City Day, following allegations that Chávez sexually abused girls and raped a woman. The decision comes after a New York Times investigation uncovered multiple accounts of abuse by Chávez over the years.

Why it matters

Chávez was a towering figure in the farmworkers' rights movement, co-founding the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers union). His legacy has been celebrated across the country, with many states recognizing his birthday as a holiday. However, these new allegations have prompted a widespread re-evaluation of Chávez's history and a distancing from his name and image by cities, states, and organizations.

The details

Chandler said it is proceeding with the Noche Iluminada and For Our City Day events this weekend, but has removed Chávez's name from both. The César Chávez Foundation will also not be attending the events. The New York Times report, based on a 5-year investigation, detailed accounts from two women who said Chávez sexually abused them when they were 12 and 13 years old, daughters of other civil rights activists at the time. Dolores Huerta, a prominent figure in the farmworkers' movement, also disclosed that Chávez had sexually assaulted her.

  • On March 19, 2026, the City of Chandler announced it was removing Chávez's name from the Noche Iluminada and For Our City Day events.
  • The New York Times published its investigative report on March 18, 2026, detailing the allegations of sexual abuse against Chávez.

The players

City of Chandler

The local government of Chandler, Arizona, which is distancing itself from César Chávez by removing his name from community events.

César Chávez

A prominent labor rights activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers union), but has now been accused of sexually abusing girls and assaulting a woman.

Dolores Huerta

A prominent figure in the farmworkers' rights movement who helped run the United Farm Workers union with Chávez, and has now disclosed that Chávez sexually assaulted her.

New York Times

The news outlet that conducted a 5-year investigation and published a report detailing the allegations of sexual abuse against Chávez.

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What they’re saying

“I've been reflecting on the allegations surrounding César Chávez and the legacy of the farmworker movement. For me, this is not just history, it is deeply personal. I come from a family of farmworkers, and my family's commitment to service and activism was shaped in part by this movement.”

— Angel Encinas, Vice Mayor, City of Chandler

“I want to acknowledge the courage of those who have come forward. You are heard, seen and your truth matters. Many in our community are holding complex emotions. It is possible to carry pride in a movement that has meant so much, while also confronting painful and troubling allegations.”

— Angel Encinas, Vice Mayor, City of Chandler

What’s next

The City of Chandler is expected to continue reviewing its relationship with the legacy of César Chávez in the wake of the abuse allegations, and may take further actions to distance itself from the labor activist.

The takeaway

These allegations against a revered civil rights leader have forced a reckoning within the farmworkers' movement and the broader community, highlighting the need to confront past abuses and ensure accountability, even for those who have been lionized for their activism.