The Philanthropic and Injustice division of Roc Nation is rallying around an 11-year-old Florida student facing legal repercussions for refusing to stand for the pledge of allegiance reports Complex.
Jabari Talbot, a sixth-grader at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy, took a stand against the pledge on Feb. 4. Like many who opt not to pledge to the fabric, the young student said he believes "the flag was racist and the national anthem was offensive to Black people."
He and Ana Alvarez, a substitute teacher, got into a heated exchange where she recommended he leave the country if he did not feel respected.
"Well you can always go back because I came here from Cuba," she reportedly said, "and the day I feel I'm not welcome here any more I would find another place to live."
Polk County Public Schools officials stressed Jabari was not arrested for protesting the pledge. According to Bay News 9 and The Miami Herald, Alvarez had Jabari arrested for creating a disruptive classroom environment.
An affidavit reported the student was arrested by a school resource officer because he called several school officials racist and threatened to get the officer and principal fired. It also alleged he threatened to beat the teacher.
The district told media that Alvarez, who was unaware students could sit out of the pledge, will no longer work at any school.
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As the incident made its way to national news outlets, Roc Nation, led by Jay-Z got involved and helped get the case dismissed. Roc Nation most notably provided legal assistance to Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage while he was detained by ICE. Complex reports attorney Alex Spiro spearheaded Jabari's legal defense.
"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."
Other high-profile athletes including Miami Heat's Justise Winslow and Jacksonville Jaguars' Leonard Fournette are standing with Jabari through his time of need. The Jags player invited the brave protester to one of the team's games this upcoming season, ESPN reports.
"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."
Although Jabari's case has been dismissed in the month since the incident took place, his mother, Dhakira Talbot, has filed a civil rights complaint.
"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."
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