FOIA Request to Lipscomb University Regarding Chinese National Students on May 14, 2025.
As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in local governmental affairs, we at the Nashville Standard have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Lipscomb University. This request seeks detailed information concerning the presence and support of Chinese National students within the institution.
The request specifically asks for documents or lists that detail all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their respective departments of study. If student names are protected under privacy laws, we have requested that the university provide a total count of these students, broken down by department where possible.
Additionally, we are seeking information about scholarships awarded to these students. This includes the amount of each scholarship received by Chinese National students and the source of these funds. In particular, we have asked for details regarding any scholarships granted by organizations affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council.
Furthermore, our request extends to policies or procedures implemented by Lipscomb University to monitor students—including those who are Chinese Nationals—to safeguard the university’s intellectual property and other confidential information.
This inquiry is conducted in collaboration with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating state and federal governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. Our goal is to ensure public institutions remain transparent and accountable while providing critical insights into how they operate.
We believe that access to such records is crucial for us as media professionals to fulfill our responsibility in informing the public accurately and holding institutions accountable. We have also requested a fee waiver given our role in disseminating this vital information.
For more information about The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy and its mission, please visit [https://stopsecrecy.org/about/](https://stopsecrecy.org/about/).
