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.

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 lot of students and staff are feeling blindsided over Sonoma State University's decision to cut the entire athletics program and more amid a $24 million budget deficit. And now, they said they're preparing to fight back.

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.

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.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Jaylen Wells played two seasons at Sonoma State, a Division II school that gave him the start to his basketball career.

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 $24 million budget deficit, Sonoma State University is ending all eleven of its sports programs and cutting out or rolling back other programs and people, and on Friday, meetings were held on campus where students and instructors vented their angst and anger.

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