FOIA Request to University of Arkansas Regarding Chinese National Students on June 3, 2025.
As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the University of Arkansas. This request seeks detailed records concerning Chinese National students currently enrolled at the university.
Our inquiry specifically requests documents or lists that detail the number and departmental distribution of current students who are Chinese Nationals. If privacy laws protect individual names, we have asked for a total count and departmental breakdown instead. Additionally, we seek information on scholarships awarded to these students, including amounts and sources, with particular interest in any affiliations with the Chinese Scholarship Council.
Furthermore, we have requested any policies or procedures the university employs to monitor students—Chinese Nationals included—to safeguard intellectual property and other confidential information.
This request is made on behalf of Fayetteville Standard and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. As media professionals dedicated to transparency and accountability in public institutions, access to such records is crucial for fulfilling our role in informing the public. We have also requested a fee waiver due to our status as members of the media.
The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy supports this effort by leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to enhance governmental transparency. More information about their mission can be found at [stopsecrecy.org](https://stopsecrecy.org/about/).
We await the university’s response and will continue our efforts to provide transparent reporting on this matter.
