FOIA Request to Southern University at New Orleans regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Southern University at New Orleans on June 16, 2025, by Nola Reporter, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. The request seeks information under the Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:1 et seq., specifically related to Chinese National students currently enrolled at the university.
The FOIA request outlines several specific inquiries:
1. Documents or lists detailing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their respective departments of study. If certain information is protected, the request asks for a total number of such students broken down by department.
2. Documents or lists showing all current Chinese National students, the scholarships they receive, and the sources of these scholarships.
3. A list of recipients of any scholarship from grantors affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, unless this information is already included in response to the second inquiry.
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 redaction is necessary due to privacy concerns but proves burdensome, grouping information might be acceptable where applicable. The email also notes that as a member of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, Nola Reporter seeks a fee waiver based on their role in disseminating information and holding public institutions accountable.
This FOIA request is sent on behalf of both Nola Reporter and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information laws. More details about this coalition can be found on their website here.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
