Notice to Senator Van Hollen – FOIA Request for University of Michigan OGC Gerdes Files (Russia-Gate Records)
The following communication was provided to Senator Chris Van Hollen’s office by a constituent to provide notice of a FOIA request submitted to the University of Michigan concerning records maintained within the Office of General Counsel, including files associated with Christine Gerdes.
The request follows prior FOIA proceedings in which the University identified responsive records relating to Russia-Gate and to Dr. Bradley Foerster and Dr. Myria Petrou within OGC files but denied access under claimed exemptions.
Email to Senator Van Hollen’s office providing notice of FOIA request for OGC Gerdes files relating to Russia-Gate records involving Bradley Foerster and Dr. Myria Petrou.
Context
This communication follows a prior letter submitted to Senator Van Hollen and the Senate Judiciary Committee concerning related matters.
It also reflects prior communications with Senate staff regarding the existence of an FBI file and efforts to narrow requests to Russia-Gate-related material.
The underlying request and supporting materials are available here:
Related Reporting
- The Institutional Fingerprint of the FBI Russia-Gate File
- May 12, 2026 Joint Status Report Filed After FBI Missed May 4 Production Deadline in “Russia-Gate” FOIA Litigation; New Production Dates Set for May 15 and June 16, 2026
- University of Michigan States No Responsive Documents Exist Regarding Dr. Foerster’s 2018 Psychiatric Peer Review Following Litigated FOIA Appeal
- Bank of Ann Arbor Reported $1,412,380 Sheriff's Sale Purchase; Follow-Up RESPA Request Seeks Reconciliation Record
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.