Italians were taken aback when a principal in the US was dismissed for displaying a picture of Michelangelo’s renowned sculpture David in class, following parental complaints of it being inappropriate. Hope Carrasquilla, who recently took over as principal at Tallahassee Classical School in Florida, was terminated after three parents objected to the content of an art lesson.
The art lesson taught by Carrasquilla included discussions on Renaissance art, showcasing works like “David,” “Creation of Adam” fresco painting, and “Birth of Venus,” all of which feature nude figures. The school’s board chair, Barney Bishop, instructed Carrasquilla to resign or face termination.
The decision sparked confusion and anger among locals in Italy, where masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David are treasured. Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence, where the statue is housed, criticized the incident as “ridiculous.” He offered to invite the teacher to Florence for recognition, emphasizing the importance of art education.
Expressing support for Carrasquilla, a social media user stated, “Art has no greater enemy than the ignorant.” The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera featured a cartoon mocking the board’s decision to dismiss the principal, illustrating David with his genitals covered by an image of Uncle Sam and the word “Shame.”
In response to the invitation to Florence, Carrasquilla expressed gratitude and interest in visiting Italy. Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia where David is displayed, expressed surprise at the controversy, highlighting the cultural and artistic significance of the sculpture.
Following the incident, the school board implemented a new policy requiring parental notification in advance of any potentially contentious curriculum. Some parents voiced frustration over the lack of communication from the school and high teacher turnover. Barney Bishop defended the decision to remove Carrasquilla, citing parental concerns and the need for transparency in controversial topics taught in schools.
