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.

Members of Sonoma State’s athletics community have filed a federal civil rights complaint after the university said it would cut all NCAA sports next fall amid a budget deficit.

Student-athletes and coaches at Sonoma State University are preparing to take legal action against the university following its announcement that it will eliminate all NCAA Division II sports programs and cut several academic offerings for the upcoming school year.

Coaches and athletes outlined plans Friday to reverse the university’s decision to cut athletic programs to help balance its budget.

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.

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.