The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri caused a flap last week when she turned down the prestigious Isamu Noguchi Award in protest of a dress code policy at the newly renovated museum, which included an attempted ban on keffiyeh wear among staff members. The keffiyeh (a traditional Middle Eastern scarf) is known internationally as a symbol of support for the Palestinians. The policy of which the Museum introduced in August 2024, after three employees publicly wearing keffiyehs to protest continuing conflict on Gaza was sacked.
Lahiri announced she would decline the award having thrown her support behind pro-Palestinian causes by signing an open letter which urged university leaders to rally behind student protestors against Israel’s recent actions in Gaza. The withdrawal prompted praise from activists and others who object to the museum’s policy as stifling political expression.
The museum has defended its policy, saying that it does not want to put off visitors or shift focus away from Noguchi’s art. But critics claim this decision runs counter to the legacy of social justice and anti-war advocacy upon which the museum founder built his career. (Hyperallergic) (Palestine Chronicle) (Artnet News)
Feature image courtesy: Elena Seibert
