What has transpired in the days since last Friday’s forcible eviction of homeless residents at the Cooper Court encampment is simply democracy in action.
BOISE, Idaho – Today, the ACLU of Idaho stands in solidarity with the displaced residents of Cooper Court and homeless advocates as they organize themselves and raise their collective voices asking Mayor Dave Bieter and the Boise City Council for a permanent solution to the City’s housing crisis. We re-engaged on this issue after receiving requests from residents and advocates at Cooper Court several weeks ago, as the coming winter approached and rumors of eviction began to fly. We have continued, and will continue, to respond to similar requests, and to spread the word when we can about activities organized to combat and mitigate the inhumane effects of an unconstitutional anti-“camping” ordinance in the City of Boise.
What has transpired in the days since last Friday’s forcible eviction of homeless residents at the Cooper Court encampment is simply democracy in action.
Last night’s City Council meeting was the first opportunity for homeless residents and advocates to hold their city government accountable. They were angry. They were frustrated. They were tired; many were emotionally exhausted. And when their peaceful requests to have their voices heard were denied by those entrusted to uphold our laws, they became angrier, more frustrated, and more tired.
What is happening between the residents of Cooper Court, homeless advocates and the City of Boise is a struggle to be heard. Rallies and protests have proven throughout history to be a powerful, grassroots way for communities to share their stories, concerns, and hopes for reasonable solutions to human problems. They are also examples of free speech in action. As long as the constitutional rights of marginalized groups needs protecting, the ACLU of Idaho will be there.
We must remember that despite each group’s tactic for bringing justice to residents of Cooper Court, we are unified in our struggle to hold our elected officials accountable for their inhumane treatment of the homeless community, their unwillingness to take responsibility for the harm they caused, and their inaction to solve this growing crisis.
City leaders need to be transparent and committed to a long-term solution that addresses the plight of Boise’s homeless residents. Until such residents and advocates are part of the conversation and solution, questions will be asked and answers will rightly be expected from our election officials.
