University of Michigan FOIA Request, Denial, and Appeal Response – OGC Russia-Gate Records (File 260537)

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

Related Reporting

• DOJ Confirms 500+ Page FBI File on Bradley Foerster in Russia-Gate FOIA Case; Records Set for Release May 4, 2026
• President Grasso Denies Foerster FOIA Appeal – UMPD Police Report Referenced in AAPD Communication (Dr. Eva Feldman)
• Ann Arbor Independent Community Police Oversight Committee Review of $1.4M Missing Funds From Sheriff’s Sale
• Dr. Bradley Foerster Files Litigated FOIA Appeal Following President Grasso Denial – Medical Peer Review Decision (Psychiatry)

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.