Girl removed by Lowell Police from data center forum speaks out
A 14-year-old girl was removed by police from a public forum in Lowell, Massachusetts, discussing zoning changes and the future of data centers in the city. The incident sparked online backlash and highlighted ongoing community opposition to data center expansion, particularly regarding noise, air quality, and power consumption. The forum, organized by the city’s Department of Planning and Development, aimed to gather information on data center zoning but became a platform for residents to express concerns about existing facilities, including one operated by Markley Group LLC.
A 14-year-old Cambodian-American girl, identified only as "EY," was removed by a Lowell Police officer from a public forum on data centers in Lowell, Massachusetts, an incident that went viral and led to hate-filled posts and threats directed at her.
EY, who describes herself as politically aware, attended the June 29 forum, organized by the city’s Department of Planning and Development, to learn about and speak on zoning changes related to data centers. The forum, which attracted at least 200 people including employees of Markley Group LLC (which operates a 352,000-square-foot data center in Lowell and has bought properties for expansion), quickly became a platform for speakers to voice both opposition to and support for data centers.
Residents in the Sacred Heart neighborhood, where Markley Group LLC's facility is located, have consistently reported concerns about noise, air quality, disruptive construction, and permit violations. EY attempted to speak as the meeting concluded, urging attendees to listen to her as "the future," before being escorted out by police. Body camera footage and an incident report were released by the Lowell Police Department following a records request.
Despite the distressing experience, EY expressed a continued interest in the data center issue and hopes to raise awareness among her peers. Her family and friends supported her stance, with her sister noting the importance of her message about the future impact of such developments.