Italians were taken aback by the dismissal of a US principal who showed students a picture of Michelangelo’s renowned sculpture David, sparking accusations of “pornography” from parents.
Hope Carrasquilla, newly appointed principal at Tallahassee Classical School in Florida, was terminated following complaints from three parents regarding the content of an art lesson. The lesson focused on Renaissance art, showcasing works like “David,” “Creation of Adam,” and “Birth of Venus,” all of which depict nude figures.
Upon refusal to resign, Ms. Carrasquilla was instructed by the school’s board chair, Barney Bishop, to leave her position. The decision drew ire from locals in Italy, where masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David are cherished, with Florence’s Mayor Dario Nardella labeling the incident as “ridiculous.”
Expressing disbelief at the situation, Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia housing David, emphasized that deeming the artwork as pornographic displays a lack of understanding of biblical, Western cultural, and Renaissance art contexts.
In response to an invitation from Florence, Carrasquilla expressed gratitude, stating her willingness to accept the recognition. She shared her excitement at the prospect of visiting Florence and meeting the mayor.
Following the controversy, Tallahassee Classical School’s board introduced a new policy mandating parental notification two weeks prior to any potentially contentious curriculum. Some parents voiced frustration over communication issues and frequent teacher turnover.
Barney Bishop defended the board’s decision, citing parental rights to be informed about controversial topics and images in their children’s education. The incident has sparked a debate on the boundaries between art appreciation and censorship.
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