Image Credit: Jhumpa Lahiri
New York City, USA: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has declined the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in protest against the Noguchi Museum’s dress code policy, which led to the firing of three employees for wearing keffiyeh headscarves, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.
Key Facts:
- The Noguchi Museum introduced a new dress code banning staff from wearing keffiyehs, citing the desire to avoid political statements in the workplace.
- Jhumpa Lahiri rejected the award in solidarity with the terminated employees, stating the policy conflicted with her values.
- Protests erupted after the firing, with critics arguing that the policy undermines cultural expression and free speech.
The controversy began when the Noguchi Museum implemented a dress code in August 2024, prohibiting staff from wearing attire that could be seen as political, including the keffiyeh.
This move was intended to create a neutral space for its diverse visitors, but it quickly drew backlash. Over 50 employees signed a petition calling for the reversal of the policy, emphasizing that the keffiyeh is not just political but also cultural, symbolizing Palestinian identity.
Three employees—Trasonia Abbott, Natalie Cappellini, and Q. Chen—were terminated after refusing to comply with the new rules.
In response, Lahiri, who was set to receive the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award, withdrew from the honor, marking a significant public stand against the policy.
A newly formed group, Noguchi Museum Rights, has criticized the policy as a form of censorship, pointing out that Isamu Noguchi, the museum's founder, had himself been an advocate for civil rights and political expression, including during his time in a World War II Japanese internment camp.
Jhumpa Lahiri’s decision to decline the Noguchi Award reflects growing tensions between cultural expression and institutional policies designed to maintain neutrality.
The dress code controversy has sparked wider conversations about freedom of speech, workplace rights, and cultural heritage.
As protests continue, this issue resonates beyond the museum, touching on broader debates about the role of political symbols in public spaces.
Stakeholders from the art and cultural communities are watching closely to see if the Noguchi Museum will reconsider its stance or face ongoing backlash.