The University of Arizona, which has a César E. Chávez Building on campus, is considering its next steps, a spokesperson says, after this week's revelations that Chávez sexually abused girls and women.
United Farmworkers Chief César Chávez joins strikers at the Tucson Greyhound Bus Station on Nov. 26, 1983.
"The reports regarding César Chávez are deeply troubling, and the university is considering appropriate next steps," Mitch Zak, the UA spokesperson, said Friday in a written statement, without elaborating.
Asked by the Star whether the UA has a timetable in mind for these steps, he answered "no".
"We will provide support and resources to any affected students, faculty and staff," Zak said.
Asked for details, he listed:
- Campus Health's Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) offers on-demand mental health support and crisis support services to students. Students can call 520-621-3334 for 24/7 support, schedule an appointment online or drop in at one of CAPS locations during business hours.
- Human Resources Life & Work Connections offers free and confidential Employee Assistance Counseling available 24/7 through ComPsych to employees, their dependents, and members of their household. Call 855-511-9855 (TTY: 800-697-0353) to access support.
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Two women told the New York Times that Chávez began sexually abusing them when they were 12 and 13 in the 1970s.
Also, Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers of America with Chávez, disclosed in the Times investigative report this week that he raped her in the 1960s.
Leaders in states and cities, including Tucson, and many other institutions are considering renaming holidays and altering memorials honoring Chávez, an Arizona-born civil rights icon who died in 1993.
Photos: UFW founders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta in Tucson over the years
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez on December 19, 1986.
Cesar Chavez
United Farmworkers Chief Cesar Chavez joins strikers at the Tucson Greyhound Bus Station November 26, 1983. He had been at the IBEW Electricians Local 769, and was on his way to Ajo Ariz. to speak to copper strikers.
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez
Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Worker's Union, speaks at the University of Arizona’s Mexican American students convocation on May 16, 1997.
Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta with a portrait of Cesar Chavez, both civil rights leaders and co-founders of the United Farm Workers on July 26, 2000.
Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta, co-founder and current secretary-treasurer of the United Farm Workers, speaks at Rudy Garcia Park as part of a remembrance of Cesar Chavez on April 2, 2006. Huerta co-founded the UFW with Chavez.
Dolores Huerta
Activist Dolores Huerta holds a sign with Maya Arce, far right, during the annual Cesar Chavez March in Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday, March 31, 2007. Hundreds marched from Pueblo High School to Rudy Garcia Park near the rodeo grounds then listened to music and speeches from local politicos and Huerta.
Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta, second from right, sings Las Mananitas, a traditional Spanish birthday song, with Salvador Martinez, far right, and the members of the group Mariachi Las Aguilas de Aztlan at Rudy Garcia Park in Tucson on Saturday, March 31, 2007. Huerta cofounded United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez. She participated in a march for Chavez’s birthday.
Dolores Huerta
Activist Dolores Huerta, a close associate of the late Chicano activist Cesar Chavez, gives a speech in Tucson after participating in a march commemorating his birthday on Saturday, March 31, 2007.
Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America speaks to students at Sunnyside High School in Tucson, Ariz. Friday, April 4, 2008.
Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America, talks to marchers before the start of the 8th Annual Cesar Chavez March and Rally for Peace and Justice at Pueblo High School on April 5, 2008. Richard Chávez, brother of Cesar Chavez, stands on the right.
Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta, a life-long civil rights activist and friend of Congressman Raul M. Grijalva speaks during his celebration of life ceremony at El Casino Ballroom, 437 East 26th Street, Tucson, Ariz., March 26, 2025.
Reporter Prerana Sannappanavar covers higher education for the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson.com. Contact her at psannappa1@tucson.com or DM her on Twitter.
Prerana Sannappanavar
Higher Education Reporter
