FOIA Request to Southern University and A&M College regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Southern University and A&M College by the Baton Rouge Reporter. The request seeks detailed information about Chinese National students currently enrolled at the university. The inquiry is made under the Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:1 et seq., with a preference for receiving the data in electronic format.
The request includes several specific items:
1. Documents or lists showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their department of study. If this information is protected, a total number of such students and a breakdown by department is requested.
2. Information on scholarships received by these students, detailing the amount and source of each scholarship.
3. A list of recipients of any scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, unless this information is already covered in the previous request.
4. Policies or procedures that describe how the university monitors students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect its Intellectual Property and other confidential information.
The request emphasizes that if certain student names are protected, redaction should be applied where necessary. In cases where redaction might be burdensome but “just totaling” does not lose essential information, grouping may be used as an alternative.
This FOIA request is submitted on behalf of both Baton Rouge Reporter and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization that assists media companies in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information laws.
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.
