FOIA Request to American Baptist College Regarding Chinese National Students on May 14, 2025.
As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in educational institutions, we at the Nashville Standard have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to American Baptist College. Our inquiry focuses on several aspects concerning Chinese National students currently enrolled at the institution.
The request seeks comprehensive data under the Tennessee Open Records Act, §10-7-503 et seq., preferably in electronic format. Specifically, we are interested in obtaining documents or lists that detail all current students who are Chinese Nationals and their respective departments of study. In cases where student names are protected, we have requested either redaction or a summary total by department.
Additionally, we have asked for records showing any scholarships awarded to these students, including the amount and source of each scholarship. We also seek information on scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council.
Furthermore, our request includes any policies or procedures that outline how the university monitors its students, including those who are Chinese Nationals, to safeguard intellectual property and other confidential information.
This request is made on behalf of both the Nashville Standard and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. As media professionals dedicated to gathering and reporting news for public benefit, access to such records is crucial for holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. We believe this qualifies us for a fee waiver under media provisions.
For more information about our efforts in promoting governmental transparency, please visit The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy’s website at [https://stopsecrecy.org/about/](https://stopsecrecy.org/about/).
