FOIA Request to University of Massachusetts-Lowell regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
The Merrimack Valley News has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell seeking detailed information about Chinese National students enrolled at the institution. The request was made under the Massachusetts Public Records Act § 66-10 et seq., with a preference for receiving the data in electronic format.
The FOIA request specifically asks for several pieces of information. Firstly, it seeks documents or lists that identify all current students who are Chinese Nationals, along with their respective departments of study. If this information is protected, an alternative request is made for the total number of such students and a breakdown by department.
Secondly, the request asks for details on scholarships received by these students, including the amount and source of each scholarship. Furthermore, it requests identification of any scholarships granted by entities affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council.
Additionally, the request includes a call for any university policies or procedures that outline how it monitors students, including Chinese Nationals, to safeguard its Intellectual Property and other confidential information.
The Merrimack Valley News emphasizes its role in providing transparency and holding public institutions accountable through access to public records. They have requested a fee waiver based on their status as media professionals engaged in news gathering and reporting.
This FOIA request is also supported by The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating governmental agencies using 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.
