Jhumpa Lahiri rejects Isamu Noguchi Award to protest staff dress code at Noguchi Museum

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has turned down the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award after the Noguchi Museum in New York faced backlash for banning its staff from wearing political symbols, including the Keffiyeh—a symbol associated with Palestinian solidarity. The museum recently dismissed three employees for wearing the traditional Middle Eastern scarf in support of Palestinians.

In a statement, the museum confirmed Lahiri’s decision, said, “Jhumpa Lahiri has chosen to withdraw her acceptance of the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to our updated dress code policy.” The museum added, “We respect her perspective and understand that this policy may or may not align with everyone’s views.”

The Noguchi Museum, located in Queens and founded nearly 40 years ago by Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, introduced a policy last month prohibiting employees from wearing clothing or accessories that express political messages, slogans, or symbols during working hours. The museum defended the decision by saying, “such expressions can unintentionally alienate segments of our diverse visitorship,” though it does not apply to visitors.

The policy sparked controversy after several employees frequently wore Keffiyehs in support of Palestinians. Staff members opposed the rule, and a majority signed a petition to protest it. Despite this, the museum stood by its stance, resulting in the dismissal of the three employees.

Lahiri, known for her acclaimed short story collection Interpreter of Maladies, and Korean-born artist Lee Ufan were both slated to receive the award at the museum’s benefit gala next month.

Lahiri was also one of many scholars who, in May, signed a letter in support of protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, calling it an act of “unspeakable destruction.”

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