FOIA Request to Grambling State University regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
On June 16, 2025, NW Louisiana News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Grambling State University. The request seeks specific records concerning Chinese National students enrolled at the university. This inquiry is made under the Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:1 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format.
The request comprises four key points:
1. A list or documents detailing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their respective departments of study. If such information is protected, an aggregate total of these students by department is requested.
2. Documentation showing all current Chinese National students, the scholarships they receive, and the sources of these scholarships.
3. A detailed list of scholarship recipients associated with grantors from the Chinese Scholarship Council, unless this information is already included in the previous request.
4. Policies or procedures outlining how the university monitors its students, including Chinese Nationals, to safeguard its Intellectual Property and other confidential information.
The FOIA request emphasizes that if student names are protected by privacy laws, necessary redactions should be made. However, if redaction proves too burdensome and “just totaling” does not result in loss of significant information (specifically for request #1), then grouping data may be permissible.
This request was sent on behalf of NW Louisiana News and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. The coalition is a non-profit organization that aids media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA requests to promote transparency and inform the public. More details about their mission can be found on their website here.
We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.
