Kokomo Standard

FOIA Request to Indiana University Kokomo regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Indiana University Kokomo by the Kokomo Standard, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs. The request seeks detailed information about Chinese National students enrolled at the university. This request is made under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act § 5-14-3-1 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format.

The request includes several specific items:

1. A list or documents detailing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their department of study. If names are protected, the requester asks for the total number of such students and a breakdown by department.

2. Documents or lists showing all current Chinese National students, specifying the amount and source of each scholarship they receive.

3. A list of recipients of scholarships from grantors affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, unless this information is already included in response to item two.

4. Policies or procedures that describe how the university monitors students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect intellectual property and other confidential information.

The request emphasizes that if certain student details are protected by privacy laws, redaction is acceptable. However, if redaction proves burdensome but does not compromise essential information (such as in item one), grouping data may be permissible.

This FOIA request is made on behalf of both Kokomo Standard and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting transparency within governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine 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.