Dr. Bradley Foerster and Dr. Myria Petrou Re-Forward 2020 “Cease and Desist Letter” to President Santa Ono Regarding Withheld University Records
In April 2020, Dr. Bradley Foerster and Dr. Myria Petrou sent a series of “Cease and Desist Letters” to University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel concerning what they described as undisclosed University records, FBI-related materials, unresolved FOIA disputes, and statements attributed to University officials regarding alleged “criminal investigations for fraud.” The correspondence copied University Vice President and General Counsel Timothy Lynch, who remains in that position today.
The letter referenced University records described as “secret file(s),” including records allegedly labeled “Do Not Distribute,” and objected to the University’s refusal to release records requested through the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. It also referenced requests seeking the basis for statements attributed to Deputy General Counsel Kara Morgenstern concerning alleged criminal investigations.
More than two years later, on December 8, 2022, Dr. Bradley Foerster resent the “3rd Cease and Desist Letter” to newly appointed University President Santa Ono, with Dr. Myria Petrou copied on the email. The forwarding email stated that the earlier correspondence had been “dismissed and ignored” and specifically referenced a pending FOIA appeal involving witness statements from the 2016 Sara Abraham investigation.
Subsequent FOIA requests, appeals, and University responses later confirmed the existence of multiple withheld federal- and University-related records, including Russia-Gate–related memoranda, communications between University officials and federal agencies, an FBI-generated University record withheld in full, and communications between Dr. Ella Kazerooni and HHS-OIG withheld under claims of advisory exemption.
Separately, the Department of Justice later acknowledged an FBI investigative file under Dr. Bradley Foerster’s name consisting of approximately 500+ pages together with associated audio media relating to the broader Russia-Gate matter.
Additional FOIA disputes later involved alleged constructive denials relating to University Office of General Counsel files concerning Dr. Bradley Foerster and Dr. Myria Petrou, including Timothy Lynch’s OGC file and Tom Kent’s OGC file. Separate disputes also involved a denied University of Michigan Police Department report arising from a complaint Dr. Eva Feldman made concerning a personal letter sent by Dr. Foerster, as well as ongoing litigation concerning the University’s refusal to produce records relating to Dr. Foerster’s 2018 peer review decision.
December 8, 2022 Email to University of Michigan President Santa Ono Forwarding the “3rd Cease and Desist Letter” and Stating the Earlier Letter Had Been “Dismissed and Ignored”
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April 9, 2020 “3rd Cease and Desist Letter” to University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel Concerning Undisclosed Records, FBI-Related Materials, and FOIA Disputes
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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.