Includes bibliographical references (p. 203-234) and index.

Background and chronology -- Theoretical implications -- The rise of hate speech codes -- The courts act -- While they slept -- The triumph of hate speech regulation.

Opponents of speech codes often argue that liberal academics use the codes to advance an agenda of political correctness. But Jon B. Gould's provocative book, based on an enormous amount of empirical evidence, reveals that the real reasons for their growth are to be found in the pragmatic, almost utilitarian, considerations of college administrators. Instituting hate speech policy, he shows, was often a symbolic response taken by university leaders to reassure campus constituencies of their commitment against intolerance. In an academic version of "keeping up with the Joneses," some.

Description based on print version record.