South Bend Times

FOIA Request to Purdue University regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Purdue University - Purdue Polytechnic South Bend on June 16, 2025. The request, sent by a news reporter from the South Bend Times, seeks information about Chinese National students enrolled at the university. The request is made under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act § 5-14-3-1 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format.

The request includes several specific inquiries:

1. Documents or lists detailing all current students who are Chinese Nationals and their respective departments of study. If this information is protected, a total number of such students and a breakdown by department is requested.

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 affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, unless this information is already included in the previous request.

4. Policies or procedures that describe how the university monitors students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect its Intellectual Property and other confidential information.

The email emphasizes that access to public records is crucial for media professionals in holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. It also notes that as a member of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization assisting media companies in investigating governmental agencies—the requester believes they are eligible for a fee waiver.

The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy leverages Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to promote transparency in government actions and inform the American electorate. More details about their mission can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.

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.