Easy fix university decides to eliminate 4 men's teams from it's athletic program (rather than at women's team) to comply with the proportionality requirement under title IX. the male athletes from the team that were eliminated ask the court for an injunction to prevent the University from cutting their sports. what legal theory may provide the strongest cause of action for these male athletes

1. Title IX
2. Title VII
3. Federal equal protection clause
4. State equal protection clause