United Farm Workers, the organization founded by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, has long celebrated its civil‑rights victories. A 2026 New York Times investigation now exposes a hidden history of sexual abuse that plagued its ranks. Women activists recount harassment and assault from senior leaders, forcing the union to confront a legacy that undermines its public image for their members worldwide impact.

In 1993, when Cesar Chavez died, the union faced a federal lawsuit alleging that organizer Efren Barajas coerced farmworkers into sexual favors. The suit was dismissed, but survivors cite a pattern of ignored complaints. Paulina Gonzalez‑Brito, who joined at 18, reports persistent groping and dismissive responses from board members that continued through the decades and shaped the union's culture of silence for years.

Union leaders now offer counseling, a 24‑hour crisis line, and updated harassment policies. Yet the revelations have sparked calls for accountability, prompting the organization to reassess its governance. The scandal tarnishes a revered legacy, eroding trust among members and stakeholders, and highlighting the broader need for safe workplaces in activist movements that drive policy changes across the sector and inspire scrutiny.