FOIA Request to Cumberland University Regarding Chinese National Students on May 14, 2025.
As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in local governmental affairs, NE Nashville News has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Cumberland University. This request seeks detailed information about the university’s Chinese National students under the Tennessee Open Records Act.
The request specifically asks for documents or lists showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their departments of study. If privacy concerns arise, we have requested that the university provide a total number of such students and break it down by department.
Additionally, we are seeking information on scholarships awarded to these students. This includes the amount of each scholarship and the source from which it originates. We have also asked for details on any scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council.
Furthermore, our request includes a call for any policies or procedures that outline how Cumberland University monitors its students—particularly Chinese Nationals—to safeguard intellectual property and other confidential information.
This inquiry is made on behalf of NE Nashville News and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating state and federal governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. Our aim is to ensure public institutions remain transparent and accountable while providing essential news coverage to the public.
We look forward to receiving this information promptly and will continue to update our readers as developments unfold.
