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Hope Carrasquilla: Florida principal forced to resign after showing students David welcomed in Florence

Clapping back at the outrage, Florence Mayor Dario Nardella revealed how the city had given an award to Hope Carrasquilla

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: A former school principal who was forced to resign after her students were shown an image of the iconic statue of David received a warm welcome in Florence. Hope Carrasquilla and her family met with Accademia Gallery Art Director Cecilie Hollberg to view the statue that got her fired in real life.

In March, Carrasquilla was forced to step down as principal of Tallahassee Classical School after one parent branded the historical monument as pornographic. Some other parents claimed they weren't notified in advance that their wards would be shown the nude figure as part of a lesson about the Renaissance.

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'In the name of art and culture'

Clapping back at the outrage, Florence Mayor Dario Nardella revealed how the city had given an award to Carrasquilla "in the name of art and culture." He tweeted, "Art is civilization and whoever teaches it deserves respect. Welcome Professor Hope Carrasquilla!"

Hollberg, who invited the former principal to the gallery as her guest, said it was an "immense pleasure" to show her the statue in real life. "I am happy to be able to welcome her and introduce her to the beauties of our museum, besides showing her the David, a sculpture that, I repeat as I have said, has nothing to do with pornography," Hollberg said in a statement, adding, "It's a masterpiece, it represents a religious symbol of purity and innocence, the victory of good over evil." The art director added that the statue's nudity "is a clear expression of the Renaissance, which puts man at the center of attention."

It's worth noting that Michelangelo's marble sculpture depicts the biblical David naked with a sling over his shoulder and rock in his hand -- ready to fight Goliath. Hollberg revealed that more than 50% of gallery visitors come from the US. "I am sure that Mrs. Carrasquilla will find here, in Florence, the welcome and the solidarity that she deserves,'' the director added.

'Parental rights are supreme'

The monument, which was carved between 1501 and 1504, is widely considered one of the world's greatest sculptures. However, some parents in Tallahassee deemed it inappropriate for students due to David's nudity. The backlash came after the sculpture was among the artworks being studied in a Renaissance art class for students aged 11 and 12.

The disgruntled parents are now demanding that they get an advance vote on any "controversial" topic or lesson. "Parental rights are supreme, and that means protecting the interests of all parents, whether it's one, 10, 20, or 50," School Board President Barney Bishop said, adding that he gave Carrasquilla an ultimatum, she could either hand in her resignation or be fired. 

Speaking to the Tallahassee Democrat, Carrasquila said she was "saddened" that her brief stint at the school ended so abruptly. She was reportedly on the job for just a year. The Tallahassee Classical School is attended by about 400 students from kindergarten through 12th Grade.