Issues and Opposition: Homelessness is a major issue in American society with some states and cities affected more than others. While some cities allow homeless populations to spend nights anywhere, some others have enacted laws that restrict their access to public lands. In Colorado Springs, Acacia Park was such a restricted piece of land on which squatting was illegal even at night. Night-time squatters used to be arrested by local law enforcement officers.
Dilemma Action: Steve Bass – a homeless man known to other protesters as “The Pirate” and the leader of “Occupy Colorado Springs”- was arrested after he set up a tent on the sidewalk along the downtown park at 1:40 a.m. Following the incident, the Colorado Springs PD announced that those protesting Steve’s arrest and found squatting in the park would be arrested. They justified this order on the ground that setting up tents and squatting on the city’s public land was deemed illegal. In response, the homeless supporters of Occupy Colorado Springs and his peaceful occupation dilemma action tactic applied and got approval for setting up three canopied “information” booths near the Uncle Wilbur Fountain at Bijou and Tejon streets. The protesters also demanded access to portable toilets and a medical tent on their squatting ground. Their demand was for the integration of the homeless population into the city’s planning. Non-violent occupation has been an often-used tactic, this particular dilemma action was not a part of any larger campaign.
Outcome: Although the protesters including Steve Bass were released in the next 24 hours, there is no evidence that this action led to something bigger like a change in the city’s ordinance. Beyond receiving some attention from the local media, it is doubtful if this action received any higher success or increased public support.