The dismissal of a US principal for displaying Michelangelo’s renowned sculpture David to students, following parental complaints of it being classified as “pornography,” has sparked astonishment among Italians.
Hope Carrasquilla, who recently took on the role of principal at Tallahassee Classical School in Florida, was terminated after three parents raised concerns about the content of an art class.
The curriculum included teachings on Renaissance art, featuring works like “David,” “Creation of Adam,” and “Birth of Venus,” all of which showcase nude figures.
School board chair Barney Bishop informed Ms. Carrasquilla that she had to resign or face termination.
The decision to remove the principal over the art lesson involving Michelangelo’s David has left Italians both perplexed and outraged, considering the significance of such works in their cultural heritage.
Florence Mayor Dario Nardella criticized the incident as “ridiculous” on Twitter, highlighting the misunderstanding of mistaking art for inappropriate content.
Nardella expressed intentions to honor the teacher in Florence, emphasizing the importance of art in society and the respect owed to those who educate on it.
The backlash against the school board’s decision to dismiss the principal was not limited to officials, as it was also reflected in a satirical cartoon on the front page of Corriere della Sera, depicting David with a censoring image of Uncle Sam and the word “Shame.”
In response to the invitation to Florence, Carrasquilla expressed gratitude and interest in visiting Italy to accept the recognition extended by the city.
Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia where David is housed, expressed disbelief at the controversy, emphasizing the misunderstanding of the artwork’s historical and cultural significance.
Following the school incident, a new policy was introduced by the board, requiring advance parental notification for potentially contentious curriculum topics.
Some parents voiced frustration over lack of communication from the school and turnover of teachers.
Barney Bishop, chairman of the school board, indicated that while the sculpture incident played a role in the principal’s removal, other factors were involved, without providing further details but standing by the board’s choice.
Bishop stressed the importance of parental awareness regarding potentially controversial educational content and materials.
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