But those boundaries are meant to facilitate inquiry, not to impede it. When we restrict access to fields, we fuel a resentment that often seems motivated by a feeling of exclusion. That is a failure of accountability with vast implications. In Colonial New England, the Puritans tried to convert Indians to their religion and way of life, but were unwilling to let them fully participate in society. Today's intellectual communities cannot afford to be closed in that way.
Disability studies needs to choose openness as the way to legitimacy.
I don't think anyone should have to answer that question. Leonard Cassuto is an associate professor of English at Fordham University.