The homeless of Berkeley are one of its most visible populations, often living on sidewalks and in public parks, in plain sight and under constant scrutiny. And yet when it comes to policy and rights, they are commonly rendered invisible. So when a 17-month-old encampment of protesters — most of them homeless — is disbanded before the crack of dawn, other members of the Berkeley community ought not avert their eyes.

On Tuesday morning, members of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,and postal police with the help of officers from Berkeley Police Department, disbanded an encampment of homeless protesters in front of the Berkeley Main Post Office.

The protesters originally set up in front of the post office on Milvia Street to criticize USPS’ plan to privatize the post office building. Even when the privatization deal fell through in December 2014, saving a historical landmark from falling into potentially destructive hands, the protesters continued to express their First Amendment right to assemble. Now, the protest serves to raise awareness for a disturbing nationwide trend of the privatization of public spaces. As more public locations become private, people have less space to legally gather and publicly express themselves. In essence, limiting public space limits freedom of speech.

Activists fighting against privatization were effectively blindsided Tuesday. They had been given a day’s notice of the disbanding, but in light of several similar notices over the last 17 months that postal police never followed up on, there was no reason to expect this time to be any different.

If authorities want to disband similar encampments going forward, they need to ensure that protesters have time and consistent warning to plan their future after the encampment.

During the raid, the postal police and BPD gathered all of the protester’s belongings — aside from personal documents, wallets and medication — and carted them away in trucks. While protesters have the opportunity to retrieve their belongings, the idea that a government entity can confiscate property and place the burden of retrieval on its owner is deeply troubling. People deserve agency over their own property.

And though some might deem this 17-month demonstration a nuisance, it still behooves community members to take a closer look whenever police take action against activists and historically marginalized groups.

The cause that the activists were fighting for was indeed noble. But even if it weren’t, all peaceful protesters deserve even-handed, consistent and respectful treatment. Treating peaceful protesters with respect and dignity is essential to a functioning democracy and a free society.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of the Senior Editorial Board as written by the opinion editor.