I haven’t dealt directly with this but perhaps you can find some examples of non-academic programs that waste money close to what the teams use, and check out academic programs that are not degree-related, such as fluff courses or politically-correct courses or overdone remediation programs. Highlight benefits of the endangered programs, such as scholarships to poor or middle-class students, donations connected with the program, or effective use of university facilities. Check into legal cases interpreting Title IX requirements. Investigate whether there is any information available from sources such as the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).
Even universities have to cut back these days but there should be ways to argue these programs give better benefits than many other programs which have been added during the financial heydays of the recent decades. Good luck.
Thank you so much for your input.
The NCAA, College Coaches, local media have taken some involvement. The University President handled the announcement poorly and ruined chances for the men to find scholarships elsewhere for the coming year. He also stated that he wasn’t going to let the NCAA tell him how to run his university.
Most of what you suggested is in the works but historically has not been effective, especially with regards to Title IX. As long as football is weighted against the female sports, there will never be an unforced compliance.
HOWEVER, I think your idea of finding academic fluff programs for comparison is a fantastic one and I’ll pass it on to the kids. They are doing a phenomenal job of communicating and organizing. The University may think they are encouraging an atmophere of fairness for the sexes but they are instead opening the eyes of young men and women to the heavy handedness of liberal dogma.