At Kent State University, I felt reassured knowing that I would have access to my student email account for life. This promise provided a sense of continuity and stability, ensuring that long after graduation, I would remain connected to my university community. However, due to recent policy changes by Google, this lifetime access is abruptly being taken away, affecting countless students and alumni like me.

This email account has been my digital identity for years. I've used it to register hundreds of accounts, from social media platforms to vital services. Changing email addresses on all these platforms is not only a logistical nightmare but also an impossibility for some, as many of these accounts rely solely on this particular email for access. The loss of my university email means potential loss of access to services I depend on daily, effectively cutting off my digital existence.

Google's policy change undermines the promise that many universities, including Kent State, made to its students and alumni. Educational institutions have used Google's robust services to enhance educational and professional opportunities, providing students with a reliable and lasting communication tool. This sudden change not only disrupts personal and professional lives but also places an unnecessary burden on universities to find costly alternative solutions.

We urge Google to roll back these changes and honor the original offer of lifetime email accounts for university students and alumni. Maintaining these accounts is crucial for preserving the integrity of educational commitments and supporting alumni networks.

Reversing this decision will not only restore trust and goodwill among educational partners but also uphold Google's reputation as a supporter of educational institutions. The ability for students and alumni to retain their collegiate email accounts is more than just a convenience; it is a promise of lifelong connection and support.

Sign this petition to urge Google to reinstate lifetime email access for all university students and alumni, ensuring that we can maintain the connections promised to us.