Florida education department encourages instruction on classical art and ‘David’ sculpture

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The Florida Department of Education said the state would not prohibit classroom instruction on Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture following a Florida principal’s resignation.

Florida’s Voice was the first to break the news on the department’s stance.

The principal of Tallahassee Classical School in Leon County told the Tallahassee Democrat she was forced to resign after a parent complained about an art lesson, which included learning about the sculpture “David” and the “Creation of Adam” fresco painting.

The story received worldwide attention.

In response, the Florida Department of Education said the sculpture has “artistic and historical value,” encouraging instruction on classical art.

“The Statue of David has artistic and historical value. Florida encourages instruction on the classics and classical art, and would not prohibit its use in instruction,” Alex Lanfranconi, communications director for the Florida Department of Education, said.

“The matter at Tallahassee Classical School is between the school and an employee, and is not the effect of state rule or law,” the statement said.

The Tallahassee Democrat reported that the classical school’s principal, Hope Carrasquilla, resigned from her position during an emergency board meeting March 20.

Carrasquilla told the outlet she believed it was because of complaints about an art lesson on the Renaissance period.

The outlet reported that the lesson upset the children of three parents. Two of those parents reportedly believed the lesson was pornographic, according to the former principal.

The “David” 14-foot sculpture was created between 1501 and 1504, depicting the Biblical figure David.