OLYMPIA — Sen. Rebecca Saldaña issued the following statement Thursday in response to recent reports detailing allegations of abuse involving César Chávez:
“The recent revelations about César Chávez and the abuse reported by survivors have left us devastated and heartbroken. I am learning about this in real time, and I join the United Farm Workers in saying we will not participate in any César Chávez-related activities at this time. The timing of these revelations is painful and underscores the urgent need to hold leaders accountable.
“Let us remember: The farmworker movement has never been about elevating one person. It has always been about the people, the struggle and the pursuit of justice. Even when leaders fail or betray that trust, the movement endures. Justice must still be realized for farmworkers, particularly women, and it is time to create space for harms to be brought forward, acknowledged and addressed with accountability and commitment.
“It is profoundly sad that Dolores Huerta, one of our greatest leaders, had to wait until age 96 to reveal her truth. Her courage reminds us that survivors must be believed and supported, no matter how long it takes to speak out. Ni Una Más.
“For too long, power has shielded those who commit abuse. We have seen it in our own history and in the horrors exposed in the Epstein files. We are clear: We will not excuse, defend or glorify anyone who harms others. Accountability must be demanded at every level, and justice must be real, universal and uncompromising. Men have been given free passes for far too long, and we must end the cycle of violence and silence.
“In the Legislature, we have worked to strengthen protections for farmworkers, including backing community-driven efforts like the BASTA Coalition, which develops prevention training, education and support tools to address sexual harassment and abuse in agriculture. But this alone is not enough. Communities, institutions and leaders must be courageous, transparent and committed to the truth.
“Washington state established César Chávez Day in 2018, but in light of these revelations, it is critical that we pause and refrain from any celebrations. The Legislature must examine the facts, center survivors’ voices and determine how best to move forward responsibly. Recognition of any leader cannot come at the expense of justice.
“This is a moment to reject false glorification, reflect honestly and recommit to the principle that power must always be exercised with responsibility, humility and accountability. The farmworker movement endures, and its work continues — rooted in truth, equity and justice for all.”
