This book examines the phenomenon of "political correctness" in higher education and argues that it is a powerful conspiracy theory created by conservatives and the media who have manipulated resentment against leftist radicals into a backlash against a fictional monster, political correctness. The first chapter describes in detail the most important developments in the political correctness myth particularly as promulgated during the Reagan-Bush years. The book argues that the political correctness myth was developed through anecdote and that well-funded conservative groups carefully worked to create the institutional framework of political correctness and to compile stories of oppression by radicals. Chapter 2 argues for the existence of a "conservative correctness" that encourages attacks on liberal and leftist groups. Chapter 3 looks at challenges, real and exaggerated, to curriculum changes in higher education that raise concerns about how western culture is taught and studied. Chapter 4 examines campus speech codes. Chapter 5 looks at sexual issues and argues that, rather than a feminist conspiracy taking over campuses, most colleges continue to follow old policies of denial and dismissal. Chapter 6 argues that the phenomenon of reverse discrimination is a myth. Chapter 7 concludes by arguing that the attacks on feminism, affirmative action, and multiculturalism are sparked by the fear of a changing culture. (Contains over 800 references.) (JB)