To our members and community, 

This statement contains information about Cesar Chavez that will be shocking and disturbing.

La Unión del Pueblo Entero has learned of disturbing allegations about Cesar Chavez during his time as leader of United Farm Workers. The allegations involve inappropriate sexual misconduct with women and abuse of teenage girls. 

We are taking these allegations seriously and are working with farm worker movement organizations to address them. We are establishing a confidential and independent process through which people who were harmed by Cesar Chavez can share their stories, and, if they chose to do so, participate in an accountability and reparations process. 

As an organization rooted in justice and protecting our community, these allegations are indefensible. LUPE in South Texas is an organization that was built primarily by women and is led primarily by women, and we understand the severity of this news and the pain and distress it will cause to many people, especially survivors of abuse. 

While we process this news and wait for more information, our priority is to keep our community safe and approach this firmly rooted in our values. As we have been since 2003 when LUPE was founded in South Texas, we are committed to continuing our work alongside thousands of LUPE members and community leaders in the Rio Grande Valley. 

LUPE will not participate in any Cesar Chavez Day activities.