Court rules that camping ordinance does not create ‘cruel, unusual’ punishment

by Kerul Dyer

Today the US Supreme Court issued a ruling along ideological lines (6-3) siding with the City of Grants Pass to uphold punitive camping ordinances in the municipality, whether or not indoor shelter is available. The disappointing ruling does not come as a surprise but could have broad implications on how cities across the US can penalize people for the act of sleeping. Fines for violating the ordinance include costly citations, entrance into the local criminal justice system and potential jail time for unhoused people.  

In Ashland this year, at least 78 citations have been issued under the auspices of the camping ban ordinance, resulting in expensive fines and legal ramifications for those already facing extreme economic hardship. In Medford, many camp areas have been dismantled by police and people have been ticketed under similar circumstances. 

Many organizations and individuals are working to support the unhoused community in the valley, including by providing dignified shelter, free community meals, and other forms of assistance. One new group provides direct support to people at the Ashland Police Station designated camping area, commonly known as Night Lawn.” More than 50 of the citations issued since the camping ban was established were distributed to campers who failed to move their belongings before the 7 a.m. deadline. 

Each day, volunteers in Ashland provide food and support moving their belongings to avoid being ticketed and drawn into the legal system. Now the City of Ashland has approved having volunteer greeters at the location from 6:30- 8:00 p.m. each evening to help go over the community guidelines and hopefully reduce the number of citations issued.

In addition, the city has determined that a portion of the newly acquired 2200 Ashland Street building will be used as an emergency shelter for smoky and extreme heat conditions this summer. 

To find out more about how you can support Ashland’s unhoused community consider volunteering in any of these roles, one of the emergency shelters or to sign up as a greeter at the Night Lawn location. The City of Ashland will host an orientation with more information on July 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the 2200 Ashland Street location.