What will happen to Cesar Chavez Boulevard in Pueblo after abuse allegations surfaced?
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - Cesar Chavez, the late farmworker organizer who became a national civil rights icon and co-founded the United Farm Workers, is accused of abusing "young women or minors," the union said in a statement to ABC News.
"The UFW has learned of deeply troubling allegations that one of the union's co-founders, Cesar Chavez, behaved in ways that are incompatible with our organization's values," the union said. "Some of the reports are family issues, and not our story to tell or our place to comment on. Far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors. Allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing."
Labor rights activist Dolores Huerta revealed this week she was among those who say they were abused by Chavez, who died more than three decades ago.
Several states recognize a day on or near Chavez's March 31 birthday as an annual holiday, including California, Colorado, Minnesota, Texas, Utah and Washington. Many are canceling or renaming events.
The UFW Foundation has canceled all Cesar Chavez events this month due to the allegations.
"As a women-led organization that exists to empower communities, the allegations about abusive behavior by Cesar Chavez go against everything that we stand for. These disturbing allegations involve inappropriate behavior by Cesar Chavez with young women and minors, they are shocking, indefensible and something we are taking seriously.
Recognizing how serious the allegations are, the UFW Foundation has cancelled all Cesar Chavez Day activities this month."
- The UFW Foundation
A highway in Pueblo was dedicated to the civil rights activist. Now, many questions have been raised to the city leadership about what happens next and if they will change the name. However, the city says the highway is under state jurisdiction.
This designation was given in 2006 by the State Legislature. CDOT has alerted current legislators. Removing the name would require a bill from the legislature.
- A Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Spokesperson
Colorado Representative Matthew Martinez tells KRDO13 he is drafting a resolution to change the name of Colorado Highway 47.
Representative Martinez says he was shocked by the allegations against Chavez.
"It just it takes you back and it is just really disappointing to hear that. And also think about thinking about, Dolores Huerta, and being able to say...how do we support her? How do we uplift her and her story and the courage that she had, to come forward with this information and being able to be public with it?" shared State Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Colo.
He said he wants to rename the highway to honor Huerta's lifelong dedication to the labor movement.
"We are working diligently at that [resolution] as we speak to be able to introduce that as soon as possible, and get that on the floor and get that through the system, this session. That way, we are showing the people of Pueblo and the people of the state...that we really do care about this, that we want to, again, want to uplift Dolores Huerta, her stories, her contributions, and showing really how important this issue is to us," explained State Rep. Martinez.
He says, despite the errors alleged against Chavez, we must continue to propel the UFW message and amplify the voices of those fighting for farmer, Chicano, and Latino rights.
"While these allegations are shocking, they're disturbing. You know, it really makes us question him as a person and his personal decisions. What I want to focus on, though, is that we should not take away from the movement," said State Rep. Martinez, "We need to continue to uplift our farmworkers. We need to continue to, tell their stories. And most importantly, we need to continue to uplift the Latino people and the Chicano people here in Colorado, in Pueblo, in the San Luis Valley, all throughout the state. Their stories matter. Just because this happened, that does not change, our needs, and our successes that we need to have."
If State Rep. Martinez's resolution passes on the House floor, it will go to the Senate.
The Governor tells KRDO13 he is also calling on state lawmakers to draft legislation to remove Chavez's name from state infrastructure.
“Governor Polis is horrified to learn about the allegations of sexual misconduct against Cesar Chavez, and he stands with Dolores Huerta and other victims who have bravely shared their stories. These are deeply disturbing allegations. The Governor will not celebrate Cesar Chavez this year, nor does he plan to direct state agencies to take action to celebrate Cesar Chavez in light of these heinous allegations. Further, he would encourage the legislature to consider drafting legislation to change the optional state holiday or other infrastructure designations across the state that are in law.”
- Eric Maruyama, a spokesperson for the Governor's Office
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