Jhumpa Lahiri Declines Noguchi Museum Award Over Political Protest Controversy

Pulitzer Prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri has declined the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award from the Noguchi Museum after it fired employees wearing kaffiyehs in solidarity with Palestinians. The museum's updated dress code policy prohibits political expressions, leading Lahiri to withdraw in protest of the decision.

Pulitzer Prize-winning, Indian-origin writer Jhumpa Lahiri has declined to accept the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in protest. The Noguchi Museum in Queens recently updated its dress code policy, leading to the termination of three employees who wore kaffiyehs in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The museum announced Lahiri's decision via a statement, highlighting the respect for her perspective. The New York Times cited the museum's commitment to its mission of promoting inclusivity and appreciation of Isamu Noguchi's art.

The museum's policy, which only affects employees and not visitors, was implemented following months of staff members wearing kaffiyehs. The museum defended the prohibition, stating that such expressions could unintentionally alienate visitors. The policy has faced opposition from a significant number of staff.

(With inputs from agencies.)