Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Jhumpa Lahiri Withdraws from Noguchi Award in Protest Against Museum’s Dress Code

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has chosen to forgo her acceptance of the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award from New York City’s Noguchi Museum. This decision comes in light of the museum’s recent termination of three employees who wore keffiyeh headscarves, which are widely recognized as a symbol of Palestinian solidarity, in response to a revised dress code.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the museum confirmed Lahiri’s decision, stating, “Jhumpa Lahiri has chosen to withdraw her acceptance of the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to our updated dress code policy.” The museum further expressed, “We respect her perspective and understand that this policy may or may not align with everyone’s views.” Lahiri, who garnered the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 for her acclaimed work “Interpreter of Maladies,” highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding this issue.

The controversy over the keffiyeh scarf has intensified globally, particularly as protests continue to demand an end to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The black-and-white keffiyeh has become a prominent symbol of Palestinian self-determination, with historical significance linked to figures such as Nelson Mandela, who frequently donned the scarf in his fight against apartheid in South Africa.

Conversely, supporters of Israel assert that the keffiyeh is indicative of support for extremism. The complexities surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict are further complicated by recent violent incidents. In November, three students of Palestinian descent were shot in an attack, two of whom were wearing keffiyeh scarves at the time. This incident has fueled discussions regarding the implications of wearing such symbols during a period of heightened tensions.

The ongoing military assault by Israel on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and has led to the displacement of nearly the entire population of the region. This military action was initiated following a deadly attack carried out by Palestinian Hamas militants on Israel on October 7. The conflict has sparked widespread protests and calls for solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

In the wake of the museum’s revised dress code, which was introduced last month, employees were prohibited from wearing any attire that expressed “political messages, slogans, or symbols.” This policy change led to the dismissal of three employees, igniting debates about the intersection of workplace policies and political expression.

Lahiri’s withdrawal from the award is part of a broader trend in which individuals across the United States have faced job loss due to their views on the Israel-Gaza conflict. In May, a Palestinian American nurse was terminated from her position at a New York City hospital after she referred to Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” during an acceptance speech for an award. This incident has drawn attention to the pressures faced by those who voice their opinions on sensitive political matters, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The museum’s decision to enforce a dress code prohibiting political symbols and messages has sparked discussions about the role of cultural institutions in political discourse. Many argue that museums and similar organizations should provide a platform for diverse viewpoints rather than restricting them. Critics of the dress code argue that it stifles individual expression and the ability to advocate for important social issues.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the impact of the conflict is felt not only in the region but also in communities around the world. Protests have erupted globally, with demonstrators calling for an end to the violence and expressing solidarity with Palestinians. The choice of symbols, such as the keffiyeh, has taken on heightened significance as individuals navigate their beliefs and affiliations in a polarized political landscape.

Jhumpa Lahiri’s decision to withdraw from the Isamu Noguchi Award highlights the complexities surrounding artistic recognition, political expression, and the role of cultural institutions in contemporary society. As debates over dress codes and political messages continue, the intersection of art, politics, and social justice remains a crucial area of discourse, reflecting the ongoing struggles for self-determination and human rights around the world.