CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement after recent abuse allegations against civil rights leader Cesar Chavez:

“Survivors came forward with courage and truth, and what they revealed has shaken all of us to our core. They deserved safety, dignity and support.

“I want to recognize the courage of the women who have come forward — Ana Murguia, Debra Rojas, Esmeralda Lopez and Cynthia Bell. Speaking out is never easy, and their voices deserve to be heard and believed.

“At the same time, we cannot allow the actions of one person to erase the work and sacrifice of generations of farmworkers and organizers. Leaders like Dolores Huerta, and so many others, built a movement rooted in dignity, justice and collective power. That legacy belongs to them — and to the workers who continue this fight every day.

“This is also why I have introduced resolutions to ensure that we are thoughtful about how we recognize historical figures — grounding our honors in truth, accountability and the full scope of their impact.

“We owe it to survivors to listen, to act and to build a future where no one is silenced. And we owe it to the movement to protect its integrity and continue the fight for justice.”