Christine Gerdes and the Withheld Russia-Gate Records: What Records Did the University of Michigan Refuse to Release?

The following materials document a FOIA request, denial, and appeal response concerning University of Michigan Office of General Counsel records, including files associated with Christine Gerdes, relating to the Russia-Gate matter and references to Myria Petrou and Bradley Foerster.

The University identified two responsive records but withheld them under claimed exemptions, including attorney-client privilege and advisory communications. The appeal was subsequently denied by the Office of the President.

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FOIA Request and Initial Denial

University of Michigan FOIA response identifying two responsive OGC Russia-Gate records and denying disclosure under claimed exemptions.

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FOIA Appeal to President Grasso

FOIA appeal submitted to President Grasso challenging the denial and requesting release of OGC Russia-Gate records.

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Appeal Response from the President’s Office

December 2, 2025 appeal response from the Office of the President denying the FOIA appeal and directing the requester to judicial review.

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Context

These materials document the University’s formal position that responsive Russia-Gate records exist within OGC files but are withheld from disclosure under claimed exemptions. The appeal was denied by the Office of the President.

Recent public statements by University leadership provide additional context. In testimony before Congress, University of Michigan President Domenico Grasso described the University’s coordination with federal law enforcement and stated that the institution acts “swiftly and decisively” when alerted to potential concerns, including foreign agent activity.

(Source: Detroit News video)

See also:

• Unredacted FBI Reports on Petrou and Foerster Produced by University of Michigan (2018)
• DOJ Confirms 500+ Page FBI File (Foerster v. DOJ) – Congressional Submissions

Selected Reporting

• From Mentor to Federal Investigation: The Dr. Eva Feldman Documentary Chronology
• July 26 Documentary Notice and Documentary Chronology Transmitted to City Attorney Kaur, Mayor Taylor, City Administrator Dohoney, and Police Chief Anderson Concerning Ann Arbor Police Department Investigations, Related City Proceedings, and Federal Investigations Involving Drs. Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou (2015–2026).
• July 7 Documentary Notice to University of Michigan Vice President and General Counsel Timothy G. Lynch Concerning University and Law Enforcement Investigations Involving Drs. Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou (2015–2026). July 8 UM Announces Lynch Leaving.
• From One FBI File to a Legislative Proposal: Peter and Maria Foerster Ask Senator Van Hollen's Office and Congressman Jamie Raskin to Consider a Uniform Administrative Framework for Federal Investigations
• The Institutional Fingerprint of the FBI Russia-Gate File: Referrals, Consults, Intelligence Reports, and the June 16, 2026 FBI Production
• Dr. Bradley Foerster and Dr. Myria Petrou Document More Than Two Years of Unsuccessful Efforts to Trace Bank of Ann Arbor's $1.4 Million Sheriff's Sale Credit Bid (June 2026)

Brad Foerster, MD PhD

Brad Foerster is a FOIA advocate documenting requests, transparency disputes, and accountability investigations involving public agencies, universities, police oversight, and Russia-Gate related inquiries. His work compiles original documents, timelines, and analysis of public records and institutional responses. Brad is also a board-certified radiologist, author of Town & Gown, and has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles. Brad lives in Potomac, Maryland with his family and is active in the Montgomery County Medical Society and the Takoma Park U.S. & World History Book Club.