FOIA Request to Bemidji State University regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
On June 16, 2025, NC Minnesota News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Bemidji State University. The request was made under the Minnesota Data Practices Act § 13.01 et seq., and seeks specific records related to Chinese National students at the university.
The request asks for documents or lists showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals and their respective departments of study. If student names are protected, the request allows for redaction or grouping of information by department totals. Additionally, it requests details on scholarships received by these students, including amounts and sources, with particular interest in scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council.
Furthermore, the FOIA request seeks any policies or procedures that describe how Bemidji State University monitors its students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect intellectual property and other confidential information.
The request was submitted on behalf of NC Minnesota News and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. The organization emphasizes its role in providing transparency and holding public institutions accountable through access to public records. They also seek a fee waiver due to their status as a media entity involved in disseminating information to the public.
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.
