Hickenlooper Statement on Reports of Cesar Chavez’s Abuse

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement regarding the reports that Cesar Chavez sexually assaulted multiple women and children and welcomed Denver's decision to remove Chavez's name from city sites and rename his former day of recognition to "Sí Se Puede" Day to honor the entire movement:

"The reports of sexual violence and abuse committed by Cesar Chavez are horrific and indefensible. I was heartbroken to learn about the generational damage that he caused.

"It is particularly hurtful that these women, including the great Dolores Huerta, feared that speaking out would undermine the movement they worked so hard to build. They showed tremendous courage in doing so.

"We cannot conflate the good work of the United Farm Workers movement with the terrible abuse of one man. As we continue to fight for social justice and honor the decades of hard work by activists and community leaders, we support the efforts to refocus celebrations and rename landmarks to honor the survivors and respect the work of the entire movement."

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