FOIA Request to SUNY Old Westbury regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to SUNY Old Westbury by Nassau Standard, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs. The request, dated June 16, 2025, seeks detailed information concerning Chinese National students at the university.
The request is structured into four parts. Firstly, it asks for documents or lists identifying all current students who are Chinese Nationals and their respective departments of study. If this information is protected, the request seeks the total number of such students and a breakdown by department.
Secondly, the request seeks documentation showing all current Chinese National students’ scholarships, including the amount and source of each scholarship.
Thirdly, if not already covered in the second part of the request, it asks for a list of recipients of scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council. If this information overlaps with that in the second part, identification of relevant scholarships is requested.
Lastly, it requests any policies or procedures detailing how the university monitors students—including Chinese Nationals—to protect its intellectual property and other confidential information.
Nassau Standard emphasizes that access to these records is crucial for fulfilling its role in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. The publication has requested a fee waiver due to its status as a media entity involved in news dissemination.
The requestor also represents The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
