NC Minnesota News

FOIA Request to University of Minnesota-Duluth regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the University of Minnesota-Duluth by NC Minnesota News, seeking information related to Chinese National students enrolled at the university. The request, made under the Minnesota Data Practices Act § 13.01 et seq., asks for several specific records and data points, preferably in electronic format.

The first item requested is any documents or lists showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, along with their respective departments of study. If student names are protected under privacy laws, the request allows for redaction or grouping of information by totals per department.

The second request seeks documentation on scholarships awarded to these students, detailing the amount received and the source of each scholarship. The third request focuses specifically on scholarships granted by entities affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council. If this information overlaps with the second request, clarification is sought as to which scholarships satisfy both inquiries.

Additionally, the FOIA request asks for any policies or procedures that describe how the university monitors its students, including those who are Chinese Nationals, to safeguard intellectual property and other confidential information.

This inquiry is conducted on behalf of NC Minnesota News and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. As a media organization dedicated to transparency and accountability in public institutions, NC Minnesota News has requested a fee waiver based on its role in disseminating public information.

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.