On Facebook, Mandy Cochran Odom shared detailed information about her daughter Alayna’s experience at South Jones High School.
In her post, Mandy described how the Jones County School District closed her public appeal within 24 hours of her presentation to the school board.
She began by highlighting Alayna’s academic excellence, musical talent, and compassionate character despite having dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, and POTS.
Emily Moore Coltrain later reshared the post, urging others to share and pray for the sweet family, saying:
There are so many things about how the school handled this that blows my mind!! Yall please share and pray for this sweet family!!
A Mother’s Voice Rises On Social Media, Demanding Justice For Her Daughter!
Mandy’s post outlined a troubling event that occurred on September 12, following a disciplinary action.
She stated that her daughter, Alayna, was suspended and removed from the band due to what the school labeled as a threat.
Mandy argued the incident was mischaracterized and mishandled without proper investigation or consideration of Alayna’s disabilities and 504 accommodations.
She detailed how Alayna collapsed on the football field, was carried off, and had previously been hospitalized.
Throughout these incidents, the school allegedly failed to provide her with the required access to snacks, hydration, and emotional support.
Additionally, she revealed that suicide and threat assessments were marked at the highest risk level but never discussed with her.
She added that procedures were not followed, a fact later confirmed by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Johnson.
Despite Mandy’s efforts to communicate and request accommodations, she received no response.
This action led her to withdraw Alayna from school due to safety concerns.
In the post shared by Mandy, many people have spoken in support of her and her daughter.
They expressed anger and concern over how the school handled the situation.
One commenter wrote,
I am frustrated for this momma. And the daughter. Move on up the line to the department of education. That baby needs nothing on her record nor does she deserve to not go to a public school. This is ridiculous. I am so sorry.
Another parent shared a similar experience, saying,
Teachers for our 504 meeting constantly dismissed me… I’m so sorry to this mama going through this. It definitely wasn’t handled appropriately and they’re just covering for themselves instead of taking accountability.
Likewise, others urged legal action, with one person stating,
She needs to file a lawsuit asap! 504 plans are not there for them to choose to honor it or not! They are federally required to abide by it!!! This is so major!
What happened to Alayna is a reminder that policies mean nothing without compassion.
May Mandy and Alayna find the justice they deserve.
