The Noguchi Museum in New York City has recently terminated the employment of three staff members for wearing keffiyeh scarves, a symbol associated with Palestinian solidarity. This action, taken on September 11, 2024, has sparked controversy and raised questions about freedom of expression in the workplace.
Founded by Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi in 1985, the museum implemented a new dress code policy in August 2024, prohibiting employees from displaying "political messages, slogans or symbols." The institution, located in Long Island City, Queens, stated that while it understood the personal views behind wearing the garment, such expressions could "unintentionally alienate segments of our diverse visitorship."
The keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern headdress typically made of cotton, has been a symbol of Palestinian nationalism since the 1960s. It gained prominence through its association with Yasser Arafat, the former leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, who was rarely seen without one.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, which has its roots in the mid-20th century. The current escalation began following a deadly attack by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, resulting in Israel's military response in Gaza. The United Nations has reported severe humanitarian crises in the region due to the conflict.
One of the dismissed employees, Natalie Cappellini, took to social media to criticize the museum's decision, arguing that the leadership was weaponizing the term "political" against the Palestinian cause. This raises questions about the boundaries between personal expression and workplace policies in the context of global conflicts.
The keffiyeh's symbolism has been at the center of other recent incidents. In November 2023, three students of Palestinian descent wearing keffiyehs were shot in Vermont, an attack that remains under investigation. This event underscores the potential risks associated with displaying cultural or political symbols in public spaces.
The Noguchi Museum's decision is not an isolated case. In May 2024, a New York City hospital fired a Palestinian American nurse after she referred to Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide" during an award acceptance speech. These incidents highlight the complex interplay between freedom of speech, workplace policies, and the highly charged nature of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
It's worth noting that while the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech, workplace dress codes are generally legal if they don't discriminate based on protected characteristics. The concept of at-will employment in the United States also allows employers to terminate employees for any non-discriminatory reason.
As the debate continues, the incident at the Noguchi Museum serves as a reminder of the ongoing sensitivities surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict and the challenges of balancing personal expression with professional expectations in diverse work environments.
"While we understand that the intention behind wearing this garment was to express personal views, we recognize that such expressions can unintentionally alienate segments of our diverse visitorship."