SACRAMENTO – Today, State Senator John Laird (D- Santa Cruz) issued the following statement regarding the investigation by The New York Times into allegations against César Chávez:

“Dolores Huerta is a leader whose voice has helped shape the farmworker movement and someone I am proud to call a friend. Her account shared in The New York Times is moving and difficult to read. I have great respect for the courage it takes to come forward, and my thoughts are with her and others who have experienced harm.

The allegations regarding César Chávez are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously. We need to listen to survivors, support them, and respond in a way that reflects the values of dignity, respect, and justice — the same values that have long guided the farmworker movement.”