Student's Pledge of Allegiance Case Dismissed With Help From Roc Nation

Doobie Doo

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Student's Pledge of Allegiance Case Dismissed With Help From Roc Nation
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BYJOSHUA ESPINOZA


Find him on Twitter.

MAR 05, 2019

Image via Getty/Nicholas Hunt
Team ROC has helped secure another legal victory.

The philanthropic division of JAY-Z's Roc Nation rallied in support of Jabari Talbot, a 6th grade boy who was arrested last month after refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The incident took place at Feb. 4 at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy in Lakeland, Florida, where the student got into a heated exchange with a substitute teacher. According to Bay News 9, Jabari explained he would not participate in the pledge because "the flag was racist and the national anthem was offensive to black people."

The teacher, Ana Alvarez, then asked the student why he didn't simply leave the country if he hated it so much; Jabari reportedly responded: "They brought me here."

"Well you can always go back because I came here from Cuba," she fired back, "and the day I feel I'm not welcome here any more I would find another place to live.

Alvarez said she then contacted the school's main office because she "did not want to continue dealing with him."

Jabari was arrested shortly after by a school resource officer, who claimed the student was being disruptive and refused to obey commands. An arrest affidavit states Jabari also threatened the substitute teacher with physical violence and told the principle and arresting officer he would get them fired.

The child's arrest eventually caught the attention of Team ROC, a Roc Nation division dedicated to assisting victims of racial injustice. The team has been involved in a number of high-profile cases, including the "hoodie arrests" in Tennessee, as well as 21 Savage's legal battle against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Team Roc tapped famed attorney Alex Spiro to handle Jabari's case pro bono.

"Jabari is a courageous and intelligent young man who deserves all the credit for standing up for his beliefs," Spiro said in a statement. "He should've never been arrested or entangled in this situation—his freedom of speech rights were clearly protected under the 1st Amendment."

A number of Roc Nation athletes have also expressed their support for Jabari and his family. Miami Heat's Justise Winslow called the ordeal an "injustice," while Jacksonville Jaguars' Leonard Fournette praised the child for his strength.

"When I heard about Jabari's arrest, I immediately had my team reach out so I could offer my support for this unjust moment." Fournette said. "Jabari is a bright young student and I applaud him for the strength he has shown during this difficult situation. I know he's a huge football fan and I’m looking forward to having him come to a Jaguars game this season."

The wave of support clearly had an impact, as Jabari's case has since been dismissed. The 6th-grader's mother, Dhakira Talbot, thanked the Roc Nation family for all their efforts and committment to justice.

"My son and I are grateful for all the athletes, entertainers, Roc Nation and community of supporters that have raised awareness about this injustice and showed their support—both publicly and privately [...]" she said. "Although Jabari’s case has been dismissed, I do want people to know this isn’t just about my son—this prejudice happens to African-American kids all across the country. The fight isn’t over, which is why I have a civil rights complaint pending with the U.S. Department of Education. At the end of the day, I want to ensure that no child ever has to experience this injustice again and we will appreciate everyone’s continued support."

Student's Pledge of Allegiance Case Dismissed With Help From Roc Nation
 
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Jabari was arrested shortly after by a school resource officer, who claimed the student was being disruptive and refused to obey commands. An arrest affidavit states Jabari also threatened the substitute teacher with physical violence and told the principle and arresting officer he would get them fired.
Black guy got arrested for not standing?:stopitslime:if you're blinded by identity politics, you're food for these PR folks
 

Mike_Pipeson

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Remember reading about that Latin teacher talmbout "just leave the country" even though she knows he's in 6th grade. fukking latins always worse than their non-latin white counterparts:hhh:
bytches tire shoulda capsized with her on it.:camby:
 

bright black

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i couldnt believe this when i saw the story when it first happened...it clearly said that students didnt have to participate in that ritual...this is amerikkka where a grown ass cuban woman can instigate a situation to the point where a black kid ends up getting arrested for doing something he had permission to do...is that the scheme they running?...you dont have to stand or say the pledge but we will find a way to have you arrested if you do that...:snoop:
 

saturn7

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Props to the ROC for this.


The incident took place at Feb. 4 at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy in Lakeland, Florida, where the student got into a heated exchange with a substitute teacher. According to Bay News 9, Jabari explained he would not participate in the pledge because "the flag was racist and the national anthem was offensive to black people."

The teacher, Ana Alvarez, then asked the student why he didn't simply leave the country if he hated it so much; Jabari reportedly responded: "They brought me here."

"Well you can always go back because I came here from Cuba," she fired back, "and the day I feel I'm not welcome here any more I would find another place to live.

Alvarez said she then contacted the school's main office because she "did not want to continue dealing with him."


Jabari was arrested shortly after by a school resource officer, who claimed the student was being disruptive and refused to obey commands. An arrest affidavit states Jabari also threatened the substitute teacher with physical violence and told the principle and arresting officer he would get them fired.



Black and Brown Coalition at it again. The nerve of this immigrant to tell an ADOS "you can always go back".

This is another example of why the ADOS Movement is needed.
 

hashmander

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Props to the ROC for this.






Black and Brown Coalition at it again. The nerve of this immigrant to tell an ADOS "you can always go back".

This is another example of why the ADOS Movement is needed.
yeah except these cubans aren't brown, but fish away.
 
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