‘One less good guy’: Readers react to César Chávez sexual assault allegations

This story was first published in The Copper Courier’s daily newsletter. Want to join the conversation? Sign up here.

Yesterday, we talked about the late labor leader César Chávez and the new allegations that he sexually assaulted girls and women, including fellow activist Dolores Huerta.

As institutions across the US—including in Arizona—remove his name from schools, holidays, parks, and more, I asked how you all were feeling about this.

Here’s what you said:

💬 “We don’t have many heroes anymore, so it is sickening and heart-breaking to learn that Chavez was a rapist.” — Peggy H.

💬 “I don’t know the details regarding Chavez, but I think it’s ironic that everyone is jumping all over this while Epstein’s collaborators still escape accountability.” — Nancy S.

💬 “This is so wrong at every level.” — CJ D.

💬 “Took over 30 years after his death to come forward. Sounds wrong to me. He can’t defend himself and evidence is thin.” — Linda R.

Editor’s note: The New York Times investigation included interviews with more than 60 people and the review of hundreds of pages of documents, in which elements of the accusers’ stories were corroborated. Also, here is some information on why survivors of abuse may choose not to report it, or to wait before coming forward. 

💬 “Always hard to learn that one of your heroes feet were made of clay. One less ‘good guy’ in a dark world.” — Anthony D.

💬 “If we are removing his name, we should be removing Trump as well!” — Karen

💬 “Don’t idolize the man but also don’t forget his great work with the farm workers. It’s like Michael Jackson. Can’t stand the man but his music is so good.” — Ed B.

💬 “This is deeply saddening—but brings me to the question: If this man who died 30 years ago after doing SO MUCH GOOD for his nation can be stripped of his honors so quickly; if events honoring his legacy are canceled; and if his name is being removed from buildings and streets and schools — how can we still have a convicted felon, woman molester and probable pedophile actively serving in the highest office in the nation and adding his name to our monuments????????? What is wrong with this country? — Ann

💬 “I was so disappointed when I read this. He led a good fight. Then to hear of his criminal activity against women, it’s dismaying to hear. I do understand why they did not report it, fighting the same good fight and not wanting to lose this fight, silence. It’s hard to accept this when you believed he was an amazing person and he was not.” — Rhonda G.

💬 “I wonder how much more the movement he was a part of could have done if he wasn’t a pedophile or rapist. It has to matter when your leader is one or the other or both. Right? I’m asking republicans and their voters, Specifically. Or does that not matter anymore? Just trying to understand then and now.” — Teresa

💬 “The past is the past. The man is dead. It’s over. Nothing can change the past. But what about today.” — George R.

MORE: Arizonans sound off on rising gas prices and Iran war