The Man is never more powerful than the movement

The recent revelations of Cesar Chavez behavior against women, sparks a conversation about history, power and accountability.

By: Rosemary Villalonga, News Editor 

As Women’s History Month winds down, the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Civil Rights leader Cesar Chavez serve as a sobering reminder that the history of mankind has coexisted with the continuous abuse of women. Throughout history, the contributions of women have been overshadowed and diminished as society memorialized influential men, often by silencing the truth. 

“I was not very surprised to hear about his allegations,” Valley nursing student Katherine Chavira said. “It’s a historical pattern. I do think that these repeated occurrences by men in power create apathy and desensitization, which allow these occurrences to continue.” 

On March 18, the New York Times released their investigation on the repeated abuse from Cesar Chavez, endured by multiple women. Esmeralda Lopez, one of the women interviewed, recalled calling her mom after Chavez made inappropriate advances toward her. When her mom asked her why she was returning early from her trip, she answered: "Cesar Chavez is just a man.” 

Women have come to understand that this type of behavior is excused and are taught to endure it. The phrase “men will be men” functions to normalize instead of giving space for accountability to be taken. 

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network reports that one in six women in the United States has experienced attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. They also report that 15 percent of victims are ages 12 to 17, and 54 percent are 18 to 34. 

These alarming statistics represent the realities of thousands of women. This case involving Chavez has created tension between legacy and accountability. He is an integral part of the United Farmworkers movement and, for decades, has been canonized for his contributions. The national recognition of Chavez’s misconduct should set history straight regarding his legacy. 

Dolores Huerta, who founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962 with Cesar Chavez and contributed greatly to the movement, said, “I never talked about it to anybody, and the reason I didn’t is that I just didn’t want to hurt the movement.” 

It took Huerta over 60 years to break her silence, reflecting a societally imposed belief that demands endurance over accountability. Despite her own work for the movement, she knew of Chavez’s power and feared the effects that would result from speaking out and challenging it. 

Her decision to speak out now at 95 years old further shows how difficult it is for women to feel safe and supported enough to confront something so difficult. An environment where silence was used as a means for self-preservation created a struggle for even the strongest of voices.

Women’s History Month focuses on recognizing the achievements of women, and this includes an obligation to listen to their experiences and support them. If history is to be taught honestly, it must stop protecting powerful men at the expense of the women they harmed.