East Central Reporter

FOIA Request to Eastern Illinois University Regarding Chinese National Students on May 14, 2025.

As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Eastern Illinois University. This request seeks information concerning the university's Chinese National students and related policies.

The request specifically asks for documents or lists detailing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their department of study. If such information is protected, we have requested a total number of these students broken down by department. Additionally, we seek records showing any scholarships received by these students, the amounts awarded, and the sources of these scholarships.

Furthermore, we have inquired about any recipients of scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council that may not be covered in our previous requests. We also requested documentation outlining the university's policies or procedures for monitoring students—particularly Chinese Nationals—to safeguard intellectual property and other confidential information.

This request is made on behalf of East Central Reporter and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. As media professionals dedicated to transparency and accountability in public institutions, access to such records is crucial for fulfilling our responsibilities to inform the public effectively. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe this qualifies us for a fee waiver as members of the media.

For more information about The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy and its mission to enhance transparency through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws, please visit [https://stopsecrecy.org/about/](https://stopsecrecy.org/about/).