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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.