FOIA Request to University of Central Arkansas Regarding Chinese National Students on June 3, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request has been submitted to the University of Central Arkansas seeking detailed records concerning Chinese National students enrolled at the institution. The request was made under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act § 25-19-101 et seq., and it aims to obtain specific data about these students, their scholarships, and university policies related to intellectual property protection.
The request seeks documents or lists that provide information on all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including details about their department of study. If such information is protected, a total count of these students broken down by department is requested. Additionally, the request asks for records showing scholarship amounts received by these students and the sources of these scholarships.
Furthermore, there is a particular interest in identifying recipients of scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council. The request also includes a call for any university policies or procedures that describe how the institution monitors students, including Chinese Nationals, to safeguard its intellectual property and other confidential information.
This inquiry is part of our commitment at North Little Rock Times to ensure transparency and accountability within public institutions. We believe access to public records is crucial for informing the public and holding entities accountable. As media professionals working alongside The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting transparency—we are advocating for openness in governmental affairs through this FOIA request.
