Muncie Reporter

FOIA Request to Ball State University regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Ball State University by the Muncie Reporter, seeking information related to Chinese National students at the university. The request was made under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act and aims to gather specific data about these students and associated university policies.

The request includes several detailed points. Firstly, it seeks documents or lists showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their department of study. If such details are protected, a total number of these students and a breakdown by department is requested instead. Secondly, the request asks for information on scholarships received by these students, detailing the amount and source of each scholarship. Thirdly, it requests a list of recipients of any scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council unless this information is already covered in the previous point.

Additionally, the FOIA request seeks any policies or procedures that describe how Ball State University monitors its students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect intellectual property and other confidential information.

The Muncie Reporter emphasizes its role in providing transparency and holding public institutions accountable as part of its professional responsibilities. As such, they have requested a fee waiver for accessing these records due to their status as a media organization. The request also notes that it is supported by The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, which assists media companies in investigating governmental agencies.

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.