The Fortescue Foundation is dedicated to creating a dynamic intellectual sanctuary at the University of Oxford, championing freedom of thought, free-market economics, and open debate. Our mission is to empower a new generation of thinkers to challenge conventions, and explore transformative ideas that can shape a more informed and resilient society. 

The need for such an initiative has become starkly apparent in recent years. This is exemplified by the disruption and distress experienced by Jewish students amidst anti-Israel narratives, as well as the highly distressing and recent loss of a student due to the lethal court of cancel culture. The encampment on campus and inflammatory debates at the Oxford Union have created a climate of division and fear, suppressing meaningful dialogue and silencing voices. In an environment increasingly hostile to dissent, many students hesitate to express their views, fearing social ostracism and reputational damage. The Fortescue Foundation seeks to counteract this trend, offering a platform where intellectual courage is nurtured, and robust debate is celebrated. 

Despite its rich tradition of academic rigor, Oxford faces a troubling reality: a growing reluctance to engage with controversial issues due to fears of social repercussions. This chilling effect undermines the university's legacy of fearless inquiry. The Fortescue Foundation aims to bridge this gap by hosting public lectures and panels that tackle highly relevant but contentious topics, fostering a culture of informed, respectful dialogue. Proposed lecture topics include safeguarding free speech in Britain and examining the economic implications of immigration, and championing traditionally British cultural values with fairness as a key tennet. Other discussions will explore transformative ideas such as whether chartered cities represent the future of economic growth and the rising tide of sectarianism in British politics. Complementing these lectures, panel discussions will focus on critical societal debates, addressing issues such as the impact of transgenderism on the majority, the future of populism in global politics, and the challenges and failures of multiculturalism. Through these events, the Fortescue Foundation seeks to inspire rigorous intellectual engagement and embolden participants to confront difficult questions without fear. 

To extend its mission beyond Oxford, the Fortescue Foundation will sponsor student participation in leading global conferences. These initiatives include engagement with the Mont Pelerin Society and the Atlas Network Liberty Forum, where students can interact with global leaders in free-market economics, deepening their understanding of innovative policies and transformative ideas. Similarly, the foundation will facilitate attendance at events such as NatCon and the Battle of Ideas, which provide platforms for examining contemporary cultural and political issues. By participating in these forums, students will not only gain academic insights but also develop the confidence and skills to navigate complex debates and make meaningful contributions to pressing societal challenges. 

The Fortescue Foundation envisions an Oxford where intellectual bravery thrives, dissent is valued, and diverse perspectives are celebrated. Within five years, the foundation aspires to foster a cultural shift where students and scholars feel empowered to express their ideas without fear of reprisal. It aims to become a hub for groundbreaking research that advances liberty and free-market principles while solidifying Oxford’s position as a global leader in addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. By fostering a culture of open dialogue and intellectual resilience, the Fortescue Foundation will shape the next generation of leaders dedicated to liberty, justice, and the transformative power of ideas. 

“I should, indeed, prefer twenty men to escape death through mercy, than one innocent to be condemned unjustly.” - Sir John Fortescue

(c. 1394-1479)