Court ruled Sonoma State can axe athletics program

(KRON) – A Sonoma County Superior Court ruled that Sonoma State University (SSU) can proceed with its budget-reduction plan despite some students’ wishes, according to the university. 

SSU’s budget is designed to address a projected $23.9-million deficit in this school year by discontinuing several academic programs and ending its NCAA Division II athletics program.

A motion for a preliminary injunction and two writs of mandate were filed on behalf of seven SSU students to prevent the university from moving forward with the budget plans. The dismissal of the preliminary injunction was predicated on the court’s belief that the university did not make a random decision without evidence. 

“… This Court cannot conclude that the decision to eliminate the athletics program amounted to an abuse of discretion,” the ruling reads. “Accordingly, the portion of the petition for writ of mandate challenging defendants’ decision to terminate the intercollegiate athletics program is denied.”

A temporary restraining order that instructed SSU to pause the academic discontinuation process last month was lifted due to the ruling, according to the university.