Sen. Blakespear Issues Statement Regarding Allegations Against Cesar Chavez

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear, D-Encinitas, issued the following statement in response to recent reports of allegations of sexual abuse made against Cesar Chavez:

“I’m heartbroken for Dolores Huerta, all the victims of Cesar Chavez, and those who have suffered sexual assault and coerced sexual activity of any kind. Dolores Huerta’s decision to speak her truth and share her lived experience at age 95, after 60 years of silence, is the definition of courage. The Labor Movement, and the farmworker movement that Huerta and so many others co-created with Chavez, is rooted in the belief that every worker deserves dignity, fairness and a voice - and those principles include the right to be safe from harassment, abuse and sexual violence. Along with so many others, I stand with Dolores Huerta and all victims, and urge a redoubling of our collective commitment to eliminate sexual coercion and assault from not just the workplace but all parts of our society.”

Sen. Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern San Diego County and southern Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website.