FOIA Request to Stony Brook University regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
On June 16, 2025, Suffolk Reporter submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Stony Brook University. The request seeks detailed information concerning Chinese National students currently enrolled at the university. The request was made under the New York Freedom of Information Law, N.Y. Pub. Off. Law sec. 84 et seq., with a preference for receiving the data in electronic format.
The request includes several specific inquiries:
1. Documents or lists showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals and their respective departments of study. If this information is protected, the request asks for the total number of such students and a breakdown by department.
2. Documentation detailing all current Chinese National students, including the amount and source of each scholarship they receive.
3. A list of recipients of scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, unless this information is already included in the second request.
4. Policies or procedures that describe how Stony Brook University monitors its students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect intellectual property and other confidential information.
Suffolk Reporter emphasizes that access to these records is crucial for their role in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency to the public. They also mention that they are requesting a fee waiver as media professionals involved in gathering and reporting news.
This FOIA request is made on behalf of Suffolk Reporter and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information laws.
We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.
