FOIA Request to Empire State University regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
On June 16, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Empire State University by Saratoga Standard, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs. The request seeks information under the New York Freedom of Information Law concerning Chinese National students enrolled at the university.
The request specifically asks for documents or lists detailing all current students who are Chinese Nationals and their respective departments of study. If this information is protected, the request alternatively seeks the total number of such students and their distribution across departments. Additionally, it requests details on scholarships received by these students, including amounts and sources, with particular interest in those affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council.
Furthermore, the FOIA request seeks any policies or procedures that describe how Empire State University monitors its students to protect intellectual property and other confidential information. This aspect of the request includes but is not limited to Chinese National students.
The Saratoga Standard emphasizes its role in providing transparency and holding public institutions accountable. As part of its commitment to public service journalism, it has requested a fee waiver for accessing these records due to its status as a media entity.
The request was made in collaboration with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More details about this coalition can be found on their website.
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.
