Information Asymmetry — University of Michigan Identifies but Withholds FBI-Generated Record Referencing Dr. Myria Petrou and Dr. Bradley Foerster
Information Asymmetry: The University Identifies an FBI-Generated Record but Withholds It in Full
In April 2026, the University of Michigan identified one FBI-generated record referencing Dr. Myria Petrou and Dr. Bradley Foerster as responsive to a narrowly tailored FOIA request concerning federal investigative materials held by the University.
The result creates a specific information asymmetry: the University has acknowledged that the FBI-generated record exists and references Dr. Petrou and Dr. Foerster, while the individuals referenced in the record cannot see its contents, subject matter, or context.
The request specifically sought only FBI-generated material and expressly excluded:
- communications sent from the University to the FBI
- internal University-created communications, summaries, analyses, or advisory materials
The University nevertheless withheld the FBI-generated record in full under Section 13(1)(m), characterizing it as “communications and notes of an advisory nature.”
A subsequent appeal was denied by the Office of the President without further description of the record.
Exhibit 1 — FOIA Response (April 21, 2026)
The University states that it identified one responsive record but withheld it in full pursuant to Section 13(1)(m), asserting that the record constitutes “communications and notes of an advisory nature,” and declining to provide any further description.
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Exhibit 2 — FOIA Appeal (April 21, 2026)
The appeal notes that the request was limited to FBI-generated records, and that such records do not fall within the University’s advisory communications exemption. It further requests production of the record or any reasonably segregable portions.
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Exhibit 3 — FOIA Appeal Denial (May 5, 2026)
On May 5, 2026, the Office of the President denied the appeal in full. The denial, signed by Chief of Staff Steve Yaros, relied entirely on the rationale provided in the initial FOIA response and did not further describe the FBI-generated record.
Record Status
One FBI-generated record identified by the University of Michigan.
The record withheld in full.
Administrative appeal denied by the Office of the President.
The University has provided no substantive description of the record. Its contents, subject matter, authorship, recipients, and significance therefore remain unknown.
The FBI-generated record remains withheld in full.
Related Documentary Record
The records below provide the related federal-court and University of Michigan context for the FBI-generated record identified and withheld in response to Dr. Myria Petrou’s FOIA request.
Federal FBI FOIA Litigation
Foerster v. U.S. Department of Justice — First Amended Complaint Concerning FBI Records Relating to Dr. Bradley Foerster and Russia-Gate
Federal-Court Record — Sworn Affidavits
Foerster v. U.S. Department of Justice — Sworn Affidavits of Dr. Bradley Foerster and Dr. Myria Petrou Concerning Dr. Paul Cronin as the Source of Russia-Gate-Related Statements
University of Michigan OGC — Two Withheld Russia-Gate Records
Christine Gerdes, University of Michigan Office of General Counsel — Two Withheld Russia-Gate Records Concerning Dr. Bradley Foerster and Dr. Myria Petrou
Selected Reporting
- Bradley Foerster Submits 140-Exhibit, 1,121-Page Documentary Chronology to FBI for Supervisory Review of the Investigation Involving Dr. Bradley Foerster, Dr. Myria Petrou, and Duaa Altaee
- 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
- Eva Feldman Documentary Chronology: 139 Exhibits on NIH R01NS082304, University Proceedings, and Federal Investigation — No Response Received
- Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou Send Ann Arbor Officials Documentary Chronology on AAPD and Related Federal Investigations — No Response Received
- Timothy Lynch Documentary Chronology: 63 Exhibits on University of Michigan Office of General Counsel, University Investigations, and Law Enforcement — No Response Received
- Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou Documentary Chronology: 8 Exhibits Document More Than Two Years of Efforts to Trace Bank of Ann Arbor's $1.4 Million Sheriff's Sale Credit Bid — No Response Received
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 a member of the Montgomery County Medical Society and the Takoma Park U.S. & World History Book Club.