Update: Reports are Fresno State will remove this statue. Fresno State statue of César Chávez, Leader of the United Farm Worker's Union
March 19, 2026 - On Thursday, Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla released statements concerning César Chávez.
Senator Adam Schiff Statement on César Chávez
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released the following statement regarding reports of sexual abuse by César Chávez:
“I commend the courage of these women for coming forward and sharing their agonizing stories of exploitation, sexual assault and lifelong trauma. This is a heartbreaking revelation, and my thoughts are with all survivors who will feel the terrible weight of this new reporting. The legacy of UFW promoting equitable and fair treatment for our farm workers is not the province of any one person, including César Chávez. The work that the organizers and leaders of UFW continue to do today is absolutely essential, and especially now, when immigrants and farmworker communities are under assault.”
Source: Senator Adam Schiff
Senator Alex Padilla Statement on César Chávez
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement regarding reports of sexual abuse by César Chávez:
“These are heartbreaking, horrific accounts of abuse. I stand with the survivors, commend them for their bravery in sharing their stories, and condemn the abhorrent actions they described. The survivors deserve to be heard. They deserve to be supported. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
“There must be zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, and the silencing of victims, no matter who is involved.
“Confronting painful truths and ensuring accountability is essential to honoring the very values the greater farm worker movement stands for — values rooted in dignity and justice for all.”
Source: Senator Alex Padilla