After California’s Supreme Court struck down a law banning same-sex marriage last Thursday, news cameras captured San Francisco residents dancing in the streets in the Castro district.

Stanford’s LGBT community was similarly jubilant.

“Everyone has been in a wonderful, wonderful mood,” said Jamie Tam ‘10. “There have been a lot more hugs and there’s been a lot more screaming.”

Wedding bells will ring for at least one Stanford faculty member: Education Prof. Ed Haertel.

“I heard the news on the radio, driving into campus,” he said in an email to The Daily. “I was surprised how emotional I felt. Drew and I have been partners for about 17 years. I got to the office, called him to tell him the news and said, ‘Let’s get married.’”

News of the court’s decision quickly spread to students across campus. Tam said she woke up to a friend’s text message on Thursday morning. “I read it and I literally jumped out of my bed,” she said. “I ran into the kitchen and I was giggling and dancing.”

Benj Fried ‘10 heard the news shortly after Tam. “My mom called and left me a voicemail and she was so happy,” he said. “I think she was really touched that I can get married now. And my sister is ecstatic.”

Matt Bush ‘10 said he heard the news when he walked into the LGBT community resource center after his morning classes.

“Someone said, ‘Did you hear? Gay marriage is now legal!’ At first I couldn’t believe it,” Bush said.

Thursday’s ruling makes California the second state, after Massachusetts, to legally recognize same-sex marriage.

“California was so overdue for this,” Fried said. “It’s time we set a precedent.”

Kimberley Stewart ‘10 pointed out that California has made history before, striking down a ban on interracial marriages in 1948 when 94 percent of Americans opposed such marriages.

“I’ve never been prouder to be a Californian,” Stewart said of Thursday’s decision.

Jessie Gardner ‘08 will move from California to New York after graduation.

“This does make me sadder about leaving the state,” she said. “I like that if I wanted to get married, I wouldn’t have to drive for hours to go to Massachusetts.”

Sammie Sachs’ 09 interrupted.

“It could all get overturned in November,” she said, referring to the potential introduction of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in California by conservative groups. “You need to get married soon!”

Fried also brought up the chance that a measure banning same-sex marriage could make the ballot in California’s upcoming election.

“We have to mobilize for November,” Fried said.