FOIA Request to Louisiana State University – Alexandria regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Louisiana State University – Alexandria by Central Louisiana News, a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage of local governmental affairs. The request seeks information about Chinese National students at the university under the Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:1 et seq., with a preference for receiving the data in electronic format.
The request outlines several specific inquiries:
1. A list or documents detailing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their respective departments of study. If this information is protected, an aggregate total number of such students and a breakdown by department is requested.
2. Documentation or lists showing all current Chinese National students along with details of scholarships they receive, including the amount and source of each scholarship.
3. A list of recipients of any scholarships granted by entities affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council. If this information overlaps with request #2, clarification on which scholarships satisfy this requirement is sought.
4. Policies or procedures that describe how the university monitors its students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect intellectual property and other confidential information.
The FOIA request emphasizes that it is being made on behalf of Central Louisiana News and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization assisting media companies in investigating state and federal governmental agencies through Freedom of Information laws. As a member of the media, Central Louisiana News has requested a fee waiver due to its role in gathering and disseminating public information.
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.
