New York: Apna Punjab Media: Pulitzer Prize-winning Indian-origin author Jhumpa Lahiri refused to accept an award from the Noguchi Museum in Queens, US, in protest against the expulsion of three staff members who wore ‘kaffiyeh’ to show solidarity with Palestinians. Gaza is It is noteworthy that ‘Kafiyeh’ is a type of cloth tied on the head, which is mostly worn by Palestinians. “Jhumpa Lahiri has decided to withdraw her acceptance for the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Prize in protest of our new dress code policy,” the museum said in a statement. We respect their views and understand that this policy may or may not be in line with everyone’s views. The New York-based museum was founded nearly 40 years ago by Japanese-American designer and sculptor Noguchi. The museum announced last month that staff cannot wear clothing or other materials displaying “political messages, slogans or symbols” during their work hours. The policy was implemented after several museum staff wore ‘kaffiyeh’ in support of Palestinians.