The recent scandal reported by the New York Times (NYT) regarding allegations of sexual abuse by the late labor leader Cesar Chavez has overshadowed news regarding a lawsuit against the Dolores Huerta Foundation.
The namesake of the nonprofit, Dolores Huerta, worked alongside Chavez for decades as the co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union. In the recent NYT article – which revealed that Chavez reportedly sexually abused two minors – Huerta said he sexually coerced and sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions, resulting in two pregnancies. Those two children were raised by Huerta’s other family members.
Lost amid the widespread reporting of this scandal, the lawsuit has received little attention and has been kept out of the public eye. However, Ruth Sanchez, a former employee, filed a wrongful termination employment lawsuit against the Dolores C. Huerta Foundation on Sept. 29, 2025, at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles.
The complaint seeks damages for: discrimination on the basis of disability; failure to engage in interactive process in violation of FEHA (Fair Employment and Housing Act); failure to provide reasonable accommodation; retaliation for the exercise rights under FEHA; retaliation; failure to prevent discrimination; failure to provide meal and rest periods; failure to pay wages owed; failure to pay wages upon separation of employment; wrongful termination; and unfair business practices.
Hearings were held in February and March of this year. The case remains active and ongoing, and a jury trial has been scheduled for Jan. 24, 2028, in LA.
The San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol reached out to the foundation to request information about the lawsuit. They replied with a written statement, which reads, in part:
“Last year, we were made aware of a lawsuit filed by a former employee, whose role was impacted by an organizational realignment. It is unfortunate that the employee chose to file this action without first affording the Foundation the opportunity to respond to and possibly resolve the matter.
“As a general policy, and in compliance with applicable California employment law, we have no further statement on this employment personnel matter.”
Based in Bakersfield, the Dolores Huerta Foundation was established in 2003 and focuses on civic engagement, grassroots organizing and advocacy for marginalized communities.