Reckoning With Cesar Chavez's Legacy

The way Latino communities are rallying around the survivors can be an example to our nation.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:03pm

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The author, Rafael Agustin, recounts reading a New York Times investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez, the co-founder of the United Farm Workers union. Agustin grapples with the painful revelations and calls for a reckoning with Chavez's legacy, arguing that no man is greater than a movement and that the survivors must be highlighted, not just the perpetrator.

Why it matters

Chavez was long seen as a hero in the Latino community, but these allegations of sexual abuse force a difficult reckoning with his legacy. The way the Latino community is responding can serve as an example for how to handle men who commit such crimes, highlighting the survivors and not just the perpetrator.

The details

The report details allegations that Chavez raped children and abused women, shattering the image of Chavez as a squeaky-clean movement leader. Chavez's management style was also toxic, relying on a cult-like group therapy known as "the Game" that involved verbally and emotionally attacking members. This led to the exodus of some of the movement's brightest leaders.

  • On March 18, 2026, the New York Times published an investigation into the allegations of sexual abuse against Cesar Chavez.
  • For an hour and 15 minutes, the author read the report out loud to a loved one while stuck in Los Angeles traffic.

The players

Cesar Chavez

The co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, who has now been accused of sexually abusing women and children.

Rafael Agustin

The author of the article, a member of Mother Jones' board of directors and a writer and producer.

Ana Murguia

One of the survivors of Chavez's abuse, whose name the author says should be put on streets and squares.

Debra Rojas

Another survivor of Chavez's abuse, whose name the author says should be put on streets and squares.

Dolores Huerta

A co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, whose name the author says should be put on streets and squares.

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What they’re saying

“Read it out loud,”

— Loved one

The takeaway

The way the Latino community is rallying around the survivors of Cesar Chavez's abuse should serve as an example to the nation for how to handle men who commit such crimes. No man is greater than a movement, and the survivors must be highlighted, not just the perpetrator.