Topeka Sun

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

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Washburn University by Topeka Sun, a media organization dedicated to covering local governmental affairs. The request, made under the Kansas Open Records Act § 45-215 et seq., seeks detailed information about Chinese National students currently enrolled at the university.

The FOIA request comprises several specific inquiries. Firstly, it asks for documents or lists identifying all current students who are Chinese Nationals and their respective departments of study. If student names are protected, the request seeks the total number of such students broken down by department.

Secondly, the request calls for documentation detailing scholarships awarded to these students, including the amount and source of each scholarship. Additionally, it requests a list of recipients who have received scholarships from grantors affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council.

Furthermore, the request seeks any policies or procedures that describe how Washburn University monitors its students, including Chinese Nationals, to safeguard intellectual property and other confidential information.

This FOIA request is submitted on behalf of Topeka Sun and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. The coalition is a non-profit organization assisting media companies in investigating state and federal governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.

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.