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The recent conflict between Israel and Palestine has ignited a global discussion on solidarity and the appropriate expressions of support for both sides. This debate has extended to cultural institutions, where decisions on how to navigate sensitive issues have become particularly complex. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has recently declined to accept an award from the Noguchi Museum in Queens, New York, in a strong statement against the museum's decision to fire three employees for wearing kaffiyehs in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The Noguchi Museum, founded by the renowned Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, announced last month that it would be implementing a new dress code policy for employees, prohibiting them from wearing clothing or accessories expressing “political messages, slogans, or symbols” during working hours. This decision came after several employees had been wearing kaffiyehs - scarves associated with Palestinians - for what one fired employee described as “cultural reasons”. The museum, in its defense, argued that such expressions could “unintentionally alienate segments of our diverse visitorship.”
Lahiri, known for her powerful and nuanced exploration of identity and cultural intersections in her works, has been vocal about her support for Palestinian rights. In a statement, she announced her withdrawal from accepting the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award, stating that it was in response to the museum's dress code policy. The museum, while acknowledging Lahiri’s perspective, maintains its commitment to inclusivity and openness while upholding its mission of promoting Noguchi’s art and legacy.
The controversy surrounding the Noguchi Museum’s dress code policy exemplifies the complex challenges cultural institutions face in navigating the current geopolitical landscape. The incident raises critical questions about the boundaries of free expression, the role of cultural institutions in promoting social justice, and the balancing act between inclusivity and the potential for offense. Lahiri's decision to reject the award serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility of individuals and institutions to stand in solidarity with those whose voices are often silenced.
Lahiri's actions align with her previous activism, particularly her participation in the open letter to university presidents in May, where she expressed solidarity with campus protests against Israel's military campaign in Gaza. This latest incident emphasizes the ongoing debate surrounding expressions of support for Israelis and Palestinians in the context of cultural institutions. It highlights the need for nuanced discussions on how to navigate these sensitive issues in a way that respects both sides of the conflict while promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Source: Indian-origin author Jhumpa Lahiri turns down Noguchi Museum award in protest of kaffiyeh ban