Former U.S. presidents who bestowed honors on labor leader Cesar Chavez have remained silent amid explosive allegations of sexual abuse against the civil rights icon. Bill Clinton awarded Chavez the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1994. Barack Obama declared March 31 Cesar Chavez Day and established a national monument.

Joe Biden prominently displayed a bronze bust of Chavez in the Oval Office. None have commented since the New York Times investigation revealed claims Chavez abused girls and allegedly raped co-founder Dolores Huerta. Their silence contrasts sharply with swift actions by local leaders removing Chavez's name from schools and holidays nationwide.

The holiday is scheduled for March 31. A spokeswoman for Obama and spokesmen for Clinton and Biden did not respond to requests for comment.