Jhumpa Lahiri Withdraws from Award Due to Museum Dress Code Policy

Jhumpa Lahiri, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, has withdrawn her acceptance of the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to the museum's updated dress code policy. The policy prohibits employees from wearing anything that expresses "political messages, slogans or symbols."

Lahiri's decision comes after three employees were sacked for wearing clothing with political messages. One of the employees was wearing a keffiyeh, a black-and-white head scarf that has become a symbol of Palestinian self-determination.

The keffiyeh has been worn by protesters around the world demanding an end to Israel's war in Gaza. It has also been worn by prominent figures such as Nelson Mandela. However, Israel's supporters say the keffiyeh signals backing extremism.

In November, three students of Palestinian descent in Vermont were shot in an attack. Two were wearing the keffiyeh.

Lahiri's decision to withdraw from the award has sparked debate. Some people support her decision, saying that the museum's dress code policy is an infringement on freedom of expression. Others say that the museum has the right to set its own dress code policy.

Lahiri is not the only person in the United States who has lost their job due to their stance on the Israel-Gaza war. In May, a New York City hospital fired a Palestinian American nurse after she called Israel's actions in Gaza a "genocide" during an acceptance speech for an award. Israel denies genocide charges brought by South Africa at the World Court.