In 2020, about 44% of American adults have heard of “cancel culture”. It’s getting tedious, this ugly battle between free speech, political correctness, and unapologetic censorship. 

More and more, organizations are also becoming involved in controversies and in squalls with cancel culture—especially if they dare say something about American politics, immigration, or culture. Let's discuss the infamous VDARE Foundation's struggle with controversy of this kind.

What is VDARE?

The VDARE Foundation—named after Virginia Dare, the first English child born in an American English colony—is a nonprofit organization and media outlet that focuses on U.S. immigration policy, cultural identity, and nationalism. It was established in 1999 by journalist and author Peter Brimelow. 

Besides fundraising, the foundation used to publish opinion pieces, essays, and commentary related to immigration reform, national sovereignty, and the preservation of American culture. Even so, it was shut down in July 2024 due to alleged claims that the organization promoted “hate speech” and that they misused their nonprofit resources. Despite never being charged for anything, all that’s left of the foundation can be found in the archive of their since-defunct website, VDARE.com. 

What is VDARE About?

VDARE is about preserving America’s traditional identity and values; they aim to increase people’s awareness on how mass immigration, particularly illegal immigration, and the “multicultural ideology” threatens American culture, national safety, and election integrity. 

This is why the VDARE Foundation chose Virginia Dare as their symbol. Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America, represents the backbone of true American culture, growth, and progress—European heritage.

Not surprisingly, VDARE’s agenda attracts many conservatives to their cause. They advocate for reduced immigration levels, stricter border control, and policies that prioritize American culture. Their patriotic mission has received plenty of backlash, with some labelling the organization “white supremacist”, “extremist” or “racist”. As Brimelow clarified on VDARE.com on July 24, 2006, VDARE wants to preserve the American heritage. Like the sites says:

We also publish on VDARE.COM a few writers, for example Jared Taylor, whom I would regard as “white nationalist,” in the sense that they aim to defend the interests of American whites. They are not white supremacists. They do not advocate violence. They are rational and civil. They brush their teeth. But they unashamedly work for their people…Get used to it. As immigration policy drives whites into a minority, this type of interest-group "white nationalism" will inexorably increase.

Where is VDARE Based?

The VDARE Foundation is based in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, where it owns and operates out of the historic $1.4 million Castle Hill mansion. VDARE purchased it in 2020 to establish their headquarters and as a venue for private events and conferences. 

However, New York Attorney General Letitia James alleged that Brimelow and his wife were misusing non-profit resources while residing in the castle since March 2020, which would violate New York Law. As Brimelow states in what’s left of the VDARE website,

Letitia James is quite obviously aiming at suppressing our speech. But the New York State courts have completely declined to protect our First Amendment rights. We can’t go on.

VDARE was not charged, yet Brimelow was prompted to step down from the foundation and suspend all operations. 

Why is VDARE Controversial?

VDARE is controversial because, while supporters view the foundation as a principled organization that promotes American values, critics argue that the foundation is xenophobic, nativist, or white supremacist. 

Organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and legacy media outlets like The Washington Post and Britain’s Independent newspaper have labeled VDARE as a “hate speech” group. They and all those who eagerly defend the horde of immigration claim that VDARE’s articles cross the line into racism or ethnic nationalism. Even mainstream platforms like YouTube and banks have also banned VDARE from their services. Conservative supporters argue this another step towards censoring right-leaning voices.

In response, VDARE has pointed out that such labels are cancel culture’s attempts to silence dissent on well-founded concerns on immigration and cultural policy. The foundation can all but insist on the importance of committing to free speech, and hope that their years of operation have helped support ideas regularly excluded from the mainstream.

The VDARE Foundation is a delicate part of American politics. Especially because everyone has an opinion on VDARE's legacy, which continues to spark arguments about immigration, culture, and free speech in America.