Summer may have been a break from classes, but it wasn’t a break from history, as significant news stories brought social issues to the forefront, none so much as the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality.

“I remember I was in California and I was kind of surprised, except at the same time I was kind of expecting [the legalization of same-sex marriage] because it’s been going on for a really long time and I was like ‘Wow, it’s finally happening,’” senior Karsten Runquist said.

On June 26, 2015, same-sex marriage was legalized by the United States Supreme Court, when Obergefell v Hodges ended with a vote of 5-4, making the United States the 21st country to reach this milestone. St. Paul Academy and Summit School students welcomed the news.

Senior Maren Findlay added, “The gay marriage ruling was really important because I think it’s about time that all 50 states got with the program.”

Sophomore Lauren Datta said, “I was in San Francisco at the time of the announcement, on a mission trip to help the homeless population. It was amazing to know that when I grow older and I find someone I love deeply, no matter who they are I could go and make the commitment of marriage with them with the protection and support of the state and of the people of the US. It was an amazing morning followed with a car ride across the golden gate bridge with the windows down and my entire group singing along to songs by LGBTQ+ artists. On that Sunday we managed to spend some time at San Francisco PRIDE. The excitement was high and every one was happy. It was definitely a highlight of the summer.”

Supporters waved rainbow colored flags, advocates spread the news all over social media, and Obama called Obergefell to congratulate him on his courage and persistence. That night, the White House was lit with rainbow colors, representing the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Proof that couples are part of a same-sex marriage can now be verified on official documents like birth and death certificates.

“[This change] affirms what we already know which is that the public is more accepting of most people now, because a lot of states had already kind of moved towards legalizing gay marriage,” junior Kyle Ziemer said.

A constant battle since the 1970s, same-sex marriage supporters have finally triumphed.

“It was a very big breakthrough for our country,” freshman Reuben Vizelman said.

Junior Ivan Gunther added, “Finally, the Supreme Court makes the right decision.”

Junior Isabel Bukovsan added, “The marriage equality ruling by the supreme court is definitely a major step towards equality. However, this is by no means the end of the battle. I am excited to see what changes happen to even further equality in the United States.”