The Madison Metropolitan School District says it is ‘gathering information’ on the child sexual assault allegations against Cesar Chavez.
The Madison Metropolitan School District issued a statement Wednesday acknowledging recent allegations of sexual misconduct against labor leader César Chávez, the namesake of Chávez Elementary School in Madiso.
The district said it is gathering information and monitoring developments but indicated no immediate actions regarding the school’s name.
“The Madison Metropolitan School District is aware of recent reporting regarding César Chávez and understands that it may raise questions across our district,” district spokesman Ian Folger said in a statement. “We recognize that these allegations are troubling and may be difficult for our students, staff, families, and community to process. As always, our priority remains on our students and providing them a safe and supportive environment in which to learn.”
Folger added that the district is “continuing to gather information and monitor developments as more details become available.”
The statement came in response to a New York Times investigation Wednesday that detailed extensive evidence that Chávez groomed and sexually abused girls and young women during his time leading the United Farm Workers union. The report, based on interviews with more than 60 people and review of records, included accounts from women who alleged abuse, some involving minors in the 1970s. Co-founder Dolores Huerta also stated that Chávez raped her in the 1960s, a claim she said she withheld for decades to protect the farmworker movement.
The allegations have led to cancellations of César Chávez Day events by the United Farm Workers and other organizations, as well as statements from the César Chávez Foundation and Chávez’s family expressing shock and calls for privacy.
Chávez Elementary School in Madison was named in his honor in 2001. The district has not announced any plans to rename the facility or alter related programs.
