FOIA Request to Northwest Shoals Community College Regarding Chinese National Students on May 16, 2025.
We, at Shoals Today, have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Northwest Shoals Community College seeking detailed information about Chinese National students enrolled at the institution. This request is part of our ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive and transparent news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The request specifically asks for documents or lists showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their department of study. If such information is protected, we have requested a total count of these students and a breakdown by department. Additionally, we seek records detailing any scholarships awarded to these students, including the amount and source of each scholarship.
Furthermore, we have asked for information regarding scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council and any policies or procedures the university has in place to monitor students—particularly Chinese Nationals—to protect intellectual property and other confidential information.
As members of the media committed to holding public institutions accountable, we believe access to these records is essential for transparency. We have also requested a fee waiver due to our role in disseminating this information to the public.
This request is made on behalf of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating governmental agencies and promoting transparency through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
