25 Mar 2023

Principal fired after Florida students shown Michelangelo statue

7:58 pm on 25 March 2023
Italy, Tuscany, Florence, historic center listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, Galleria dell 'Accademia, statue of David (1501-04) by Michelangelo (Photo by DOZIER Marc / hemis.fr / hemis.fr / Hemis via AFP)

A parent reportedly complained that students were shown Michelangelo's statue of David. Photo: DOZIER MARC / HEMIS.FR / AFP

A principal of a Florida school has been forced to resign after a parent complained that students were exposed to pornography.

The complaint arose from a Renaissance art lesson where students were shown Michelangelo's statue of David.

The iconic statue is one of the most famous in Western history.

But one parent complained the material was pornographic and two others said they wanted to know about the class before it was taught.

The lesson also included references to Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam" painting and Botticelli's "Birth of Venus".

Principal Hope Carrasaquilla of Tallahassee Classical School said she resigned after she was given an ultimatum by the school board to resign or be fired.

Local media reported that Carrasquilla did not know the reason she was asked to resign, but believed it was related to the complaints over the lesson.

They also said Carrasquilla had been principal for less than one year.

On Thursday, Florida's governor moved to expand a law that banned public schools from teaching sexual education and gender identity.

Teachers who violate the law face being suspended or losing their teaching licences.

- BBC