Sixth graders saw a photo of a naked “David” by Michelangelo Buonarroti in class and forgot to tell their parents in advance. Three disgruntled headmistress Hope Carrasquilla has been scolded for her recklessness, and one has even accused the teaching staff of “pornography”.
The unfortunate art history lesson cost Mrs. Carrasquilla her career. The school administration issues an ultimatum to the headmistress: either she resigns on her own, or she is dismissed out of scandal. Carrasquilla has been in the job for less than a year and recently celebrated 27 years of teaching experience.
By the way, as part of the program, the sixth graders also examined the fresco “The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo and the painting “The Birth of Venus” by Botticelli, which also feature nude nudity. However, these works of art did not embarrass anxious parents, but “David” fully received.
One of the school board members explained that teachers had already demonstrated Michelangelo’s brainchild to young wards in art history classes and he saw nothing wrong with it. . However, according to the rules of the educational institution, the administration must inform the parents of the “controversial” elements of the program in order to avoid such a misunderstanding. Ms. Carrasquilla did not control this process and was shown the door. Anxious parents, in turn, now demand that all “ambiguous” course topics be approved with them.
It should be noted that the high-profile case is taking place against the backdrop of Florida Governor and potential Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis promoting active school politics. For example, last year he signed the Parental Rights in Education Act, which prohibits teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender in the classroom. The restriction applies to kindergarten and the first three years, and in some cases to the 12 years of study.
