India-origin author Jhumpa Lahiri has refused to accept an award from the Noguchi Museum in Queens in protest of the museum’s decision to fire three employees who wore kaffiyehs in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
“Jhumpa Lahiri has chosen to withdraw her acceptance of the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to our updated dress code policy,” the museum said.
“We respect her perspective and understand that this policy may or may not align with everyone’s views,” it added.
The museum, established by Japanese American designer and sculptor Isamu Noguchi, announced last month that employees are not allowed to wear clothing or accessories displaying “political messages, slogans, or symbols” while on duty.
This policy, which does not apply to visitors, was implemented after several staff members had frequently worn kaffiyehs—scarves linked to Palestinians—over several months, which one dismissed employee described as being for “cultural reasons.”
Lahiri was among thousands of scholars who signed a letter to university presidents in May, expressing support for campus protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which they described as “unspeakable destruction.”