Jhumpa Lahiri Rejects Noguchi Award in Protest of Museum’s Political Dress Ban

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has announced her decision to withdraw from receiving the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award from the Noguchi Museum in Queens, New York. This move comes in response to the museum’s recent policy banning staff from wearing clothing that expresses political messages, following the firing of three employees who wore kaffiyehs in solidarity with Palestinians.

In a statement, the museum acknowledged Lahiri’s decision and expressed respect for her perspective, while emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and openness in line with its mission to celebrate Isamu Noguchi’s artistic legacy. The dress code, implemented to avoid alienating visitors, sparked significant dissent among staff, many of whom supported the cultural expression through their attire.

Lahiri, born in London to Indian immigrants, gained acclaim for her debut collection, “Interpreter of Maladies,” which won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000. She has since made significant contributions to literature in both English and Italian and currently directs the creative writing program at Barnard College.

The controversy surrounding the museum reflects broader tensions in cultural institutions over how to address political issues, especially amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Lahiri’s withdrawal highlights the intersection of art, politics, and individual expression in today’s cultural landscape.