FOIA Request to Maine Maritime Academy regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by Down East Times to the Maine Maritime Academy seeking specific records related to Chinese National students. The request, made under the Maine Freedom of Access Act § 402 et seq., aims to obtain information in an electronic format concerning various aspects of these students’ enrollment and scholarship details.
The request includes four key points:
1. A list or documents showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their department of study. If names are protected, a total number broken down by department is requested.
2. Documents or lists detailing the scholarships received by each Chinese National student, including the amount and source of each scholarship.
3. A separate list identifying recipients of scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, unless this information is already covered in the previous request.
4. Policies or procedures outlining how the university monitors students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect intellectual property and other confidential information.
The request emphasizes that if certain information needs redaction due to privacy concerns, such adjustments should be made accordingly. Additionally, it highlights that Down East Times is acting on behalf of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, which supports media companies in accessing public records for transparency purposes.
Down East Times has requested a fee waiver based on its role as a media organization involved in gathering and reporting news to hold public institutions accountable.
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.
