"Mad Scholars critiques academic culture’s entrenched ableism and sanism and shows how difficult—still—it is to be recognized as having a positive, credible, valuable Mad subjectivity. The diverse voices in this book give us pathways for leading with care, both for ourselves and others. They reimagine academia. They tell us that our institutions can do better. This is a collection we need."—Elizabeth Brewer, Central Connecticut State University
Description
As universities rethink their approach to student and faculty mental health, Mad Scholars showcases academics who proudly embrace the label of the “mad scholar.” In twenty-three essays from contributors working in nearly a dozen disciplines across three continents, the volume explores the infinite richness of neurodivergent scholars’ lived experiences, centering their stories in opposition to hegemonic sanism and ableism in the academy. These essays, valuable to any “mad scholar” at any point in their career, highlight the challenges of simply existing within the traditional university model as well as showcase celebrations of community building, self-identification, and connection with students.
A corrective for neurodivergent scholars too accustomed to having their experiences and stories told for them, this collection examines how a more open-minded administrative approach to academics who identify at the intersection of various marginalized identities would be a boon both to students and faculty. The essays provide an opportunity to envision a more hopeful, inclusive, and optimistic view of university culture and pedagogy, while offering concrete steps and strategies that radically reimagine the current landscape. Mad Scholars boldly dreams of a better future for anyone who claims the label, seeking to find fellowship, accommodation, and acceptance both within and outside of academia.
About the Author
Melanie Jones is a faculty member at Bard College in the Bard Prison Initiative program. She has a PhD in comparative literature, and her work has appeared in such journals as the Victorian Review.
Shayda Kafai is assistant professor of ethnic and women’s studies at California State Polytechnic University. Her work has appeared in the Journal of Lesbian Studies and Women’s Studies Quarterly.
August 2024