Arguing at Florida school: Is Michelangelo’s statue pornographic?

Is the sight of the “David” statue by Michelangelo reasonable for school children? Yes, decided the principal of a private school in the US state of Florida. After complaints from parents, she has now lost her job.

“It’s been on public display since the 16th century,” asks a TV presenter, “why is that suddenly a problem?” In fact, Michelangelo’s “David” looks the same as always: the statue is over five meters tall, very beautiful and very naked. But can this sight be expected of eleven and twelve-year-old school children?

The director of a Christian private school in Florida had shown a picture of “David” in class. Parents complained, the term “pornographic” was mentioned, and now she’s out of a job. That’s their version of the story.

The school board presented the director with a choice

The head of the school board, Barney Bishop, puts it differently. Whenever something controversial is taught, the parents must be informed beforehand, Bishop said on CNN. But that didn’t happen. And indeed, three parents complained that the picture was not age-appropriate.

Tallahassee Classical School is a Christian private school in Florida. Director Hope Carrasquilla has apparently been in office less than a year. Last week, the school board gave her the choice of leaving voluntarily or being fired. The US media reports that you have decided to quit.

Florida as the figurehead of the right-wing conservatives

The state of Florida repeatedly makes headlines because of its particularly conservative school policies. Books dealing with sexual orientation have been banned from libraries. The question of how racism is taught is also a controversial topic.

Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor, wants to make Florida the right-wing figurehead of the United States – and in 2024 he might like to become President of the United States himself.