Save Seawolves Athletics, a group that's protesting the elimination of athletics at Sonoma State University, has filed a formal civil rights complaint over the decision.

Sonoma State University announced Wednesday that its intercollegiate athletics programs are being discontinued, several academic departments and majors are being eliminated and dozens of faculty members are being laid off to address a budget deficit of nearly $24 million.

Facing a $23.9 million deficit, Sonoma State University will enact large budget cuts, including laying off faculty and eliminating its intercollegiate athletics program.

Sonoma State University announced Wednesday that its intercollegiate athletics programs are being discontinued in addition to other severe cuts to address a budget deficit of nearly $24 million.

The complaint calls for an investigation into the proposed cuts that have “unfairly targeted a student body that is notably diverse, creating a disparate impact on students from underrepresented communities.

A grassroots organization seeking to save Sonoma State University’s athletics department says it has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, calling for an investigation into the university’s decision to cut the entire department.

A grassroots organization working to preserve the athletics department of Sonoma State University has recently filed a complaint against the school over its decision to shut down the department.