FOIA Request to Southern Arkansas University Regarding Chinese National Students on June 3, 2025.
As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in governmental affairs, we at the SW Arkansas Times have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Southern Arkansas University. This request seeks detailed information about Chinese National students currently enrolled at the university.
Specifically, we are requesting documents or lists that identify all current students who are Chinese Nationals, along with their respective departments of study. If such details are protected, we have asked for a total count of these students broken down by department. Additionally, we seek information on scholarships awarded to these students, including the amount and source of each scholarship. In particular, we are interested in identifying any scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council.
Furthermore, our request includes any policies or procedures that describe how the university monitors its students—especially Chinese Nationals—to safeguard its Intellectual Property and other confidential information.
This inquiry is conducted in collaboration with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to uncovering governmental actions through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. As members of the media, our role is crucial in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public. We believe this entitles us to a fee waiver as part of our professional responsibilities.
For more information about The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy and its mission, please visit [https://stopsecrecy.org/about/](https://stopsecrecy.org/about/).
