FOIA Request to Jacksonville State University Regarding Chinese National Students on May 16, 2025.
As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, EC Alabama News has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Jacksonville State University. This request seeks detailed information about the university’s Chinese National students and related policies under the Alabama Open Records Law § 36-12-40 et seq.
The request specifically asks for documents or lists that show all current students who are Chinese Nationals, along with their respective departments of study. If student names are protected, we have requested that the total number of such students be provided, broken down by department. Additionally, we seek information on scholarships received by these students, including the amount and source of each scholarship.
Furthermore, we have inquired about any recipients of scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council and asked for clarification if this information overlaps with previous requests. Lastly, we have requested any policies or procedures that describe how the university monitors students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect its Intellectual Property and other confidential information.
This request is made on behalf of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization dedicated to leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to enhance transparency within governmental agencies. As members of the media, access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities in holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. We believe this entitles us to a fee waiver as media professionals.
For more information about The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy and its mission, please visit [https://stopsecrecy.org/about/](https://stopsecrecy.org/about/).
