FOIA Request to University of Maine at Fort Kent regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the University of Maine at Fort Kent by Aroostook News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. The request, made under the Maine Freedom of Access Act § 402 et seq., seeks information related to Chinese National students currently enrolled at the university.
The request specifically asks for documents or lists that detail all current students who are Chinese Nationals and their respective departments of study. If student names are protected, the requester has asked for a total number of such students broken down by department. Additionally, the request seeks information on scholarships received by these students, including the amount and source of each scholarship. Furthermore, any scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council are also requested to be identified.
Moreover, the FOIA request includes a call for any policies or procedures that describe how the university monitors its students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect intellectual property and other confidential information.
The request was sent on behalf of Aroostook News and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. The sender emphasized their role in gathering and reporting news to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency. They have also requested a fee waiver as they believe they qualify due to their media professional status.
We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.
