Google is rolling out new AI tools for classrooms. The New York Times reports that schools that reject AI entirely could also lose access to Google Search. Many students work on school-issued laptops and Google accounts. For them, that could mean losing one of the most basic research tools in education.

Google says Search and its Gemini AI tools start out switched off and that “schools are in control,” according to the company’s post on X. But Chris Phillips, Google’s vice president for education, told the Times that “Search and AI are deeply integrated.” Google has not clearly said whether a school can keep regular Search while saying no to AI.

That choice belongs to parents, teachers and local school boards. Some communities may welcome AI in the classroom. Others have real concerns. The nonprofit Common Sense Media has rated Google’s AI Overviews an “unacceptable risk.” Leaders from both parties are paying attention: Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley have launched an inquiry into Google’s push to bring AI into classrooms.

Students should not lose a basic search engine because their school made a careful decision about a new technology. Courts have already ruled against Google in antitrust cases involving its search and ad businesses. A company with that much power over how kids find information should not be able to bundle one product with another in public schools.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai can fix this by guaranteeing that every school can use standard Google Search with all AI features turned off. Congress can make sure that promise holds.

Sign the petition to keep Search open to every school, so the choice about AI stays with families and educators.