Court decision could force University of Michigan to open records of controversial doctor

Michigan appeals court says records are public documents

Dr. John Tanton of Petoskey donated 25 boxes of papers to the university, but 11 boxes were to remain closed until 2035.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A court decision could force the University of Michigan to open the records of a doctor who is considered by critics to be an influential voice in anti-immigration matters.

Dr. John Tanton of Petoskey donated 25 boxes of papers to the university, but 11 boxes were to remain closed until 2035.

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The Michigan appeals court says the records are public documents under the Freedom of Information Act because they're being held by a campus library as an "official function," a key phrase in state law.