FOIA Request to Richmont Graduate University Regarding Chinese National Students on May 14, 2025.
A recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Richmont Graduate University, seeking detailed information about Chinese National students enrolled at the institution. The request was made under the Tennessee Open Records Act and is part of an effort by Hamilton Reporter and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy to ensure transparency in educational institutions.
The request specifically asks for documents or lists that identify all current students who are Chinese Nationals, along with their respective departments of study. In cases where student names are protected, a total count of such students broken down by department is requested instead. Additionally, the inquiry seeks information on scholarships awarded to these students, including the amount and source of each scholarship. A particular interest is shown in scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council.
Furthermore, the request includes a call for any policies or procedures that describe how the university monitors its students, including those who are Chinese Nationals, to safeguard its Intellectual Property and other confidential information.
As members of the media committed to holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public, we believe access to these records is crucial. We have also requested a fee waiver due to our role in disseminating information as media professionals.
This initiative underscores our dedication to investigating state and federal governmental agencies through leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More details about our mission can be found at The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy’s website.
