Board of Advisors
Dianna Thompson is a nationally recognized expert on families, stepfamilies, and divorce-related issues and is a longtime advocate for the falsely accused. She learned about and became involved with FACE while lobbying and testifying against California’s affirmative consent law and similar federal laws. An author of opinion pieces on sexual assault, Dianna has been quoted in the media and on radio shows.
Dianna believes that students who have been falsely accused of sexual assault on college campuses don’t receive adequate due process protections and face biased school tribunals that require only the lowest standard of proof and use overly broad definitions of sexual assault, all of which often result in expulsion from their colleges. Dianna states, “These destructive laws and policies come at a time when we’re already seeing college male dropout rates climbing and their college completion rates falling.” She hopes to use her political background and media experience to help restore due process rights on college campuses and to eliminate the devastation experienced by falsely accused students and their families as a result of these laws and policies.
Nicholas H. Wolfinger is a Professor of Family and Consumer Studies and Adjunct Professor of Sociology at the University of Utah. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and his Ph.D. at UCLA, both in sociology. He is the author of several books, the most recent of which is Soul Mates: Religion, Sex, Children, and Marriage among African Americans and Latinos (with W. Bradford Wilcox; Oxford University Press, 2016). Nick is also the author of about 40 scholarly articles or chapters, as well as short pieces in The Atlantic, National Review, Huffington Post, and elsewhere.
In 2016, Nick was found “not responsible” by his university in a Title IX case. He wrote about his experience here. Nick strongly believes in the original mandate of Title IX but feels it was disastrously distorted by the 2011 Dear Colleague Letter. Due process is an integral part of a free society and is ultimately vital to a system of adjudication that protects the interests of both accused and accuser. Nick splits his time between Northern California and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Deborah Richert, LCMFT, LMAC, is a licensed therapist and Clinical Director, specializing in mental health and substance use treatment. With more than a decade of clinical experience, she has worked extensively with individuals and families navigating trauma, crisis, and complex life challenges.
Deborah became involved with FACE following the experience of her son, Brett, who was falsely accused of sexual misconduct while attending college. Brett was ultimately found not responsible prior to his death on January 4, 2024, due to a car accident. During the time surrounding his case, Brett volunteered with FACE by reaching out to peers who were also struggling with the emotional and social impact of false accusations.
Through both her professional background and personal experience, Deborah has witnessed the significant psychological toll that allegations and biased campus disciplinary processes can have on students and their families. She hopes to use her clinical expertise and advocacy to help promote fairness, due process, and support for those navigating these complex and often devastating situations.
“FACE does not engage in the practice of law, cannot provide legal advice or representation, and does not enter into attorney-client relationships with those we help. Although there is information on our site about legal issues, it is not legal advice.”
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