FOIA Request to Salem State University regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Salem State University by Bay State News, seeking specific records related to Chinese National students. The request, sent on June 16, 2025, aims to gather information under the Massachusetts Public Records Act § 66-10 et seq., preferably in electronic format.
The request includes several detailed inquiries:
1. A list or document showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals and their respective departments of study. If names are protected, a total number of such students broken down by department is requested.
2. Documentation detailing the scholarships received by current Chinese National students, including the amount and source of each scholarship.
3. Information on recipients of scholarships granted by entities affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, if not already covered in the previous request.
4. Policies or procedures outlining how the university monitors its students, including Chinese Nationals, to safeguard intellectual property and other confidential information.
Bay State News has emphasized that access to these public records is crucial for their role in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. They have also requested a fee waiver based on their status as a media organization.
The request is made on behalf of Bay State News and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA requests.
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.
