FOIA Request to Middle Georgia State University Regarding Chinese National Students on June 4, 2025.
As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at Macon Times have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Middle Georgia State University. The request seeks detailed information concerning Chinese National students enrolled at the university.
Our inquiry includes several specific requests under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50.18.70 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format:
1. We have asked for documents or lists that detail all current students who are Chinese Nationals, along with their respective departments of study. If privacy concerns prevent sharing names, we requested the total number of such students and a breakdown by department.
2. We seek records showing all current Chinese National students, including details about each scholarship they receive and the source of these scholarships.
3. Additionally, we have requested information on any recipients of scholarships from grantors affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, if not already covered in our second request.
4. Lastly, we are interested in any policies or procedures that outline how the university monitors students, including Chinese Nationals, to safeguard its Intellectual Property and other confidential information.
This request is made on behalf of Macon Times and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating governmental agencies and promoting transparency through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
We believe access to public records is crucial for holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public. As media professionals involved in gathering and reporting news, we are requesting a fee waiver based on our role in disseminating this vital information to the public.
For more details about The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy’s mission and activities, please visit their website at [https://stopsecrecy.org/about/](https://stopsecrecy.org/about/).
