Jackson Academy has responded to a lawsuit accusing the private school of punishing a student when called out by parents for alleged football recruiting violations.
The lawsuit, filed on Jan. 5 by Jason and Carolyn Voyles against Jackson Academy and Headmaster Edward Wettach, alleges school officials retaliated against the family and their son after the parents raised concerns about what they believed to be prohibited athletic recruiting practices. Jackson Academy officials, on the other hand, are calling the claims “false and frivolous,” as the school looks to defend its reputation.
According to the complaint, Jason Voyles identified 11 student-athletes who had transferred to Jackson Academy from a myriad of other schools, including five from Clinton High School, whom he believed were recruited in violation of the Mid-South Association of Independent Schools’ rules. Voyles then shared that information with other parents, and it circulated within the school community.
The Raiders, following the acquisition of these transfers, led a successful 2025 campaign — one that resulted in the program’s first state championship in 14 seasons, following a 50-14 victory over Hartfield Academy in the title matchup.
The complaint alleges that the Voyles family was summoned to a meeting on June 9, 2025, at which school officials informed them that their son would not be allowed to continue attending Jackson Academy. School leadership cited “negativity” created by Voyles’ actions and pointed to enrollment agreement language enabling the school to end enrollment if a parent’s conduct made a “positive constructive working relationship impossible.”
The Voyles contend it was “unreasonable” for the school to unenroll their son over their concerns. As part of the lawsuit, the family is seeking “repayment of more than a decade’s worth of tuition, pain and suffering, emotional distress damages, attorney fees, and other relief.”
In a response filed less than one month after the family’s complaint, Jackson Academy acknowledged that it has “inherent discretion” in determining attendance and circumstances justifying enrollment. In the Voyles’ case, the school maintained that it was especially justified in unenrolling the student after being subjected to an alleged smear campaign by the parents.
“Jackson Academy is very disappointed in the Voyles’ decision to sue JA in an effort to damage the school’s reputation with false and frivolous claims. Jackson Academy filed a response to the legal complaint in Hinds County Court on Friday, January 30, 2026,” a statement provided to SuperTalk Mississippi News reads.
“The school was provided 30 days from the date of the legal complaint to respond, and JA filed a response under the guidance of the school’s attorney for this matter. Jackson Academy was served the official notice of the legal complaint on Wednesday, January 7, after that complaint was filed in Hinds County Court on Monday, January 5, and after it was publicized in the media.”
This case has been assigned to Hinds County District 2 Judge Yemi Kings.
