A former volunteer has filed a lawsuit against two nonprofits linked to the late labor leader César Chavez, accusing them of failing to investigate claims of sexual abuse allegedly committed by Chavez over the years. The complaint was filed in Kern County Superior Court and names the César Chavez Foundation and the United Farm Workers Foundation as defendants. The plaintiff, referred to as Jane Doe, is alleging negligent supervision, emotional distress, and sexual harassment. The lawsuit follows reports by the New York Times in March that detailed allegations of sexual abuse against Chavez. Jane Doe, now in her 80s, first met Chavez after moving to California’s Central Valley following college. She joined the United Farm Workers (UFW) organization in 1973, when her family moved into the compound in Keene, which was then the UFW’s offices. She claims that Chavez tried to give her alcohol and danced with her at a party that year. Later, she says, he followed her home and raped her in a bedroom. She also alleges that Chavez assaulted her again a few years later. The lawsuit claims that both the United Farm Workers Foundation and the César Chavez Foundation worked to conceal evidence of sexual harassment and assault by UFW members and leaders, including Chavez. It states that women who raised concerns were often verbally attacked by Chavez’s top associates and accused of trying to harm the movement by speaking out about their experiences or safety. The César Chavez Foundation said it only recently learned of the lawsuit and is now consulting with legal counsel. Previously, the foundation described the allegations about Chavez’s behavior as “shocking and painful” and pledged to support victims and seek “restorative justice.” The UFW Foundation has not yet responded to requests for comment. The United Farm Workers union, which is not named in the lawsuit and operates separately, also declined to comment. Jane Doe is seeking a jury trial and damages, including compensation for past and future earnings, as well as punitive damages. Her attorney, V. James DeSimone, is representing her pro bono and said she is committed to the legal process. He noted that she is grateful to finally take this step after years of suffering and expects other survivors to come forward. DeSimone emphasized that no organization should be above the law.