WASHINGTON – Today, after reports of sexual abuse of young women by Cesar Chavez, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement:
“Today’s reports are shocking and disappointing about a leader that I for many years had looked up to, like so many Latinos growing up in the U.S.
“But as I have said many times this year—no one, no matter how powerful, is above accountability, especially when it comes to abusing young women.
“The farmworkers’ movement has always been bigger than any one man. It belongs to the thousands of hardworking people who have spent decades on the front lines fighting for the dignity of agricultural workers. We have to keep that fight going, especially now, when our community is under constant attack.
“I want to recognize the incredible bravery of the women who came forward to share their stories of abuse. It takes immense strength to speak truth to power, and we owe it to them to ensure that our movement is defined by accountability and justice for everyone.”