​​SAN JOSE, CA – Recent news involving deeply troubling allegations connected to César Chávez is heartbreaking and stands in clear conflict with our core values. These allegations are serious and disturbing, and our foremost concern is for the survivors who have come forward with extraordinary courage. Their voices deserve to be heard, believed, and honored.

No person’s status or historical importance ever outweighs the dignity, safety, and well-being of another. Harm and abuse are never acceptable. At the same time, we continue to stand strongly with farmworkers and their ongoing fight for dignity, fairness, and justice. The farmworker movement was shaped by many people, and its mission remains important today.

We also want to acknowledge the bravery of Dolores Huerta and the many women who have come forward after years of silence. Ms. Huerta carried her experience for decades to protect the farmworker movement and the people it served, making her decision to speak now an act of great courage. Their bravery, often shaped by fear and sacrifice, must be met with real and lasting action to better protect and support women and girls.

The Santa Clara County Office of Education is committed to ensuring safe and supportive environments for all students and staff. We support the use of Title IX​ and other protections that help prevent and address sexual harassment and abuse. 

Educational organizations play an important role in teaching respect, safety, and accountability. We believe students deserve honest, age-appropriate education that does not hide history, but also clearly affirms that abuse is never excused.

We stand with all survivors of violence, especially gender-based violence.