FOIA Request to Meharry Medical College 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 Meharry Medical College. This request seeks detailed information concerning the presence and support of Chinese National students within the institution.
Our inquiry specifically requests records under the Tennessee Open Records Act, §10-7-503 et seq., with a preference for electronic format. The requested information includes:
1. Documents or lists identifying all current students who are Chinese Nationals and their respective departments of study. If privacy concerns arise, we have asked for the total number of such students, broken down by department.
2. Details regarding scholarships awarded to these students, including the amount received and the source of each scholarship.
3. Information about any scholarships granted by entities affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, if not already covered in our second request.
4. Policies or procedures outlining how the university safeguards its Intellectual Property and other confidential information from unauthorized access by any student group, including Chinese Nationals.
This request is made on behalf of both our publication and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing transparency through investigative journalism. As media professionals tasked with informing the public and holding institutions accountable, we believe this information is vital for fostering an informed electorate.
We also seek a fee waiver due to our role in disseminating news and promoting transparency as part of our professional responsibilities.
For further details about The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy’s mission and activities, please visit their website at [https://stopsecrecy.org/about/](https://stopsecrecy.org/about/).
We await Meharry Medical College’s response to this important request for information.
